Frank passed peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital with family at his side. He was the 5th of 6 children born to Julius & Marie Tillo. Frank was one of the few remaining from “The Great Generation”. He is also on a very short list of people who were born, lived & died in the 6th Ward.
Frank attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Helena High in 1948. After his school, he entered the Montana National Guard and spent the next 30 years as a flight instructor and mechanic. He is the last of troop “N” Air. During those 30 years, he was involved in many business ventures, ranging from garage doors, to subdivisions, to being on the board of directors for the Eagles Manor. In 1949 he married Mildred Cross, also from the 6th ward. They would have been married 70 years in September. Together, Frank and Millie have four children. They also have 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Frank had many talents. He was athletic, handsome, generous, hardworking, and kind. He was a boxer, a singer, a piano player, a husband, and a father. He was strong, faithful, a brother, a son, and a friend. While Frank sang, his daughter Patti accompanied him on the piano. He sang for weddings, funerals and Christmas Midnight Mass, and was a member of the Barbershop Quartet. He was a remarkable artist. He was born with that gift, which many of us wish we had. His artwork can be seen in any of his children’s homes or on full display at his own.
Frank left many legacies, but his cabin on the Little Blackfoot remains his finest. It has remained in the family for 62 years. Frank, Millie and the four children could be seen on any summer or fall weekend at the cabin.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Julius & Marie, brothers, Joe & George, sisters, Mary Lou & Rosemary, and twin granddaughters.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred, daughter, Patti Piedelue, sons, Tom (Viki) Tillo, David (Vickie) Tillo, Jon Tillo, daughter-in-law, Debb Tillo, and brother, Dick, all of Helena. He was also survived by countless nieces and nephews.
His family will receive friends from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. Burial with military honors will follow the gathering of friends.
In honor of Frank, do something kind for your neighbor. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Frank. Oh, by the way – cause of death – his heart stopped.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday February 13, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday February 13, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bernice Sundby says
So grateful to have met and spent time with “Uncle” Frank during a road trip with his niece Carolyn. I am sorry about the loss of this good man – my condolences to his family and friends…
Ivy Tillo says
In sixth grade I was quite husky. My grandpa made it known to me that I ate too many cookies and hot dogs at the cabin. He made a nice little jingle about me being chubby. One thing about the Tillo’s, they will always help you keep your weight in check;)
All jokes aside though, Frank was always such a sweet, calm grandpa and smashing cans with him in his garage, one of the many gadgets his creative self invented, was something I always looked forward to and there are many memories I’ll always hold near to my heart!
Carolyn Alvstad says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Frank’s passing. My travels home to Helena always included a visit with Uncle Frankie and Aunt Millie. A life well lived leaves much sadness upon its departure. He will be missed. My condolences to all family and friends.
Carolyn Alvstad
John & Cherie Dahl says
Frank and I became friends in the National Guard. We had some good times at the poker table. Frank will be missed and prayers to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Tom Juhl says
Dave sorry to hear of Franks passing, not many of the old 6th Warders left…….
Brian and Candace Ahl says
Dave and family,
Brian and I are so sorry for your loss. Let us know if you need something.
Brian and Candace Ahl
Tammy Steckler says
Patti, Tom, David, and Jon, deepest of condolences to you and your families.
The Steckler family
jack womack says
WOW.. what a life well lived. Thanks Frank for providing someone to look up to and show us the way while we growing up in Helena . You left an amazing legacy behind. Hoping by now you’ve looked up the General and Uncle Joe. Man what I would give to be sitting in that garage on Butte Ave with Jon and hearing all of those great stories. We keep trying to be as good as you guys but most times its just a poor imitation. Another great man is gone. Our world keeps getting smaller and it’s just hard to lose all of you guys..we thought you would live forever. Only good memories of all of the Tillos!
Dan Morgan says
Tom and Vicki so sorry to hear about your loss. It was great seeing you last summer and I wish it was under different circumstances then and now. Please remember all the good times you have had with your father and cherish his memory going forward.
Dana Joe McDonald says
I’m saddened to hear of your passing, Frank. I’ll never forget all the weekends spent at the cabin while growing up, as well as the hunting trips with you, Dad & others. Heck, all the stuff we did when we were younger. Thank you for being a part of my childhood & upbringing, Sir. You will surely be missed.
Molly tillo hansen says
It feels wrong to sum up a grandpas steady presence in your life with just a few short sentences… He always greeted me with a warm smile and a strong hug, he filled the cabin with his presence, And created such a beautiful haven for his family and theirs to spend many summer days and nights creating our most cherished memories. He saw beyond the profits of selling his land and created ties in a place in the mountains that I pray stay in place for generations to come for his family to experience the greatness of his legacy. Grandpa frank, the gentle funny stubborn hard working man full of so much talent. I always wished I’d inherited more of his artistic side. I always loved him showing me his new paintings when we would come to stay, Or listening to his little songs he sang and the smell of cigars in the living room somehow an inviting and familiar smell… one that always reminds me of him. He was such a hard working man and kept a family together which is no small endeavor in this life, and I pray to look back in 70 years and say he fostered another legacy amongst his grandkids in that as well. I am so sad for grandma, my dad, aunt and uncles and everyone else who called frank theirs. He will be missed and always cherished and loved.
Pat Hoy says
Frank had great work ethics and his honest views on everyday life situations, helped to make sure that his kids were some of the best people Helena had to offer. Keep his memories close we all need guidance now and again.
Mariann Cross Wenstrom says
Sad to learn of my Uncle Frank’s passing, but I do know he is for certain in a better place. Just want to express my condolences to my cousins and let my Aunt Mildred know she is in my prayers. Losing you life long mate is such a hard thing to experience.
Many good memories of being with him at those old HI way picnics and in Gramma Cross’ back yard. Thankful that Lynn and I were able to see both Uncle Frank and Aunt Mildred one evening at di9nner, before both of these wonderful men where gone. He will be missed by so many. Prayers going out to his family.
Marc Swanson says
A great man who had a great life and raised a truly great family.
Susan Deming says
To Frank’s family:
I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s death. I have moved from Helena to Circle (teaching high school) and I did not know. Every time I visit Helena I see all the houses by St. Mary’s that were built by your family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Alan Coty says
Hell of a good guy. We all loved that Bar you had in the garage. Always stocked with the good stuff.
We were always treated as family. Sure do miss the old days.
The Tillo family, you have always been a hell of a family. The best.
I will miss Aunt Frank. We will all meet again. Get that bar stocked I’ll be in a drinking way when I get there. I miss all of you.
I have seen names that I haven’t thought about in many years.
Uncle Millie you and Aunt Frank were like Mom and Dad. Love both of you.