George F. Hiltabrand was born on March 28, 1925 at Lostant, Illinois to Henry H. and Lois M. (Patterson) Hiltabrand; and passed away on April 18, 2013 at his home with his family at his side. He attended Lostant Community Grade School and graduated from Lostant High School in 1944. George enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served with the 371st Construction Battalion during World War II in the European Theatre for 22 months. He was awarded 4 Battle Stars for Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe and also received the Meritorious Service Unit Award. The 371st Construction Battalion was unique in that it was the first Army Engineer Regiment changed into the table of organization as the Navy Sea Bees as they became very successful in the South Pacific.
George’s family moved to Montana in January 1946 to ranch in the Helena Valley and by coincidence George was discharged from the Army at the same time and they all arrived in Helena on the same day. He was honorably discharged on January 4, 1946.
George worked for Porter Brothers Dredging and the Northern Pacific Railroad in Helena before going to work for Chevron USA of California on the oil tankers. He held several positions before becoming Chief Engineer, the position he held until retiring with 25 years of service on October 1, 1985. George started driving for Avis Car Rentals in 2004 for several years. He ranched west of Helena for several years after retiring from Chevron USA.
George married G. Jeanne Kerr in 1947 and of this union 2 children were born: Scot C. and Herbert F. Hiltabrand. George married Grace M. (Nelson) Wood on November 11, 1967 in Helena, MT.
George is a Life member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
George is a life member of the following organizations: Helena Lodge #3, joined 1953, Helena Scottish Rite, joined 1954, Algeria Shrine Temple, joined 1957 and was a member of the Algeria Patrol and served on the Consistory Shrine Temple Board. George joined York Rite in 1990, Royal Order of Jesters in 1992, Miriam Chapter #1, OES in 1953, served as Worthy Patron in 1957 and 2009, and was appointed Grand Representative of New Mexico in Montana. He served on the Board for Helena Assembly #7, ORG and was awarded the Grand Cross of Colors. He is also a member of the International Bossons Collectors Society.
Survivors are his wife Grace and two sons, Scot C. (Lynn) Hiltabrand of California and Herbert F. (Jo Lane) Hiltabrand of Minnesota; adopted daughter, Yvonne N. Hiltabrand and two step-sons, Richard L. Wood and Donald W. Wood all of Helena; 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Auriel Hiltabrand of East Helena, MT and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harold H. and his wife Shirley, and Herbert C. Hiltabrand; and an infant granddaughter Lisa Yvonne Knowles.
Visitation will be Tuesday & Wednesday April 23rd and 24th from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25th at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will be held in the social center of the funeral home following the burial. Memorials in George’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601, The Transportation Fund C/O Algeria Shrine P.O. Box 1174 Helena, MT 59624, Miriam Chapter #1 Cancer Fund P.O. Box 4175 Helena, MT 59604 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of George.
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 23, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Visitation
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday April 25, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 23, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Visitation
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday April 25, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
Helena, Montana
Share
Louise (Hiltabrand) Biffle says
I wish I had some magical, comforting words to offer. I think that George was an extraordinary person and a loving family man. I am honored to have him for an Uncle.
He led a life of service – service to the United States of America, service in his church and community, and service through various Masonic organizations – there is truly a special place in Heaven for this man.
Although I will miss him terribly; I take comfort knowing that he is with God, his parents, and brothers once again.
I love you Uncle George.
Vi Madison says
I only meet George a couple of times,from knowing his wife she was always so proud of him, and loved him so dearly.She was also always there for him 24/7 and gave all the loveing care any wife could. He has had a bad few Months I know he is in a better place. In Gods hand.
God Bless you both.
Jeff Wood says
You will be missed Grandpa. Thank you for all you have done for all of us. We are all here for you Grandma.
Laurie Chandler(Lewis) says
George was one of the kindest father in laws a young girl could ever have. I don’t remember for sure which dog they had at the time on Hannaford but they were bbqing one day with friends and all sitting outside talking when the dog decided the steak looked too good to pass up. When we got there George was laughing about how the dog had taken his steak. And that is how I remember him. Happy, easy going, and kind to a fault. He will be missed by many. Lotve you lots George!!
Julia Demaree says
What a delight, an honor and a privilege to have George in my life the last few years. I just can’t describe how much humor, love, kindness and joy knowing him provided. We love and miss you George. Give Corki a pat on the head for us and I promise Lilly and the rest of the Demaree family will take good care of Grace as you both have always taken such good care of us. Love alwasy, xoxoxox
Kevin A. Wood says
George, well, how can I describe him? He was one of the greatest men I have ever known…. The happiest days of my childhood are with him in them with the family! I regret not getting to know him more, as an adult… MY LOSS!!! His love for service and family can guide us all, to true happiness. The world is a lesser place without his smile, laughter, and most of all his love…
A true caring man, and loving husband… I will miss you Grandpa George….
Don and Barbara Hardisty says
April 22, 2013
Dear Grace and Family,
It is with much sorrow that we heard this morning the news from Scot of George’s passing. We know he has not been well for several years. Still, we had hopes for his recovery. We did hear this past Christmas with our annual sharing of gifts, but for too long we have missed both of you at the International meetings and our visits to each others homes where we fostered our many years of friendships. Stay strong, Grace, and know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God will surely take care of George and will continue to shine his loving care on you and the family.
Love, Don and Barbara
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nancy and Jim Mayer says
George was our very special neighbor and friend. We always loved hearing his wonderful stories. I don’t think we know any one else who had a more colorful and interesting life. We were hoping he could enjoy one more neighborhood picnic but we’ll be sure and set up an empty chair in your honor. We will miss you dearly! Love, Nancy and Jim
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Gracie and the family.
Sincerely,
Art & Clara
Luke Norvel Hiltabrand says
In loving memory of Grandpa George Hiltabrand, as one of the twins in our family, I remember him as a hard working, always wearing a cowboy hat, and a good sense of humor. My brothers and I have been fortunate to spend time and get to know both George and grace and will cherish the moments we had. Love Luke and Charity Hiltabrand.
Daniel Sterling Hiltabrand says
Love you grandpa. You are one of my heroes, George. I’m honored to have your last name. Love you dad, miss you lots, can’t wait to hug ya. Grandpa George always started his visits with a joke, so here a little one: “They laughed at Louie Armstrong when he said he was going to the moon; now he’s up there laughing at them.” Love you so much George … I’ll miss you, bud.
LEWIS @ BERNICE BARR says
IGeorge and I grew up in Lostant Ill. Our folks were the best of friends with Hank and Lois .We kids called him Uncle Hank. We had the pleasure of spending time with George on the Ranch on the Gold Barge in Helena. Brother Carl Elaine Bernie and I were shown around Montana one summer when we were traveling in Moter Home, George and Grace were great Hosts, The one thing i will always remeber, George was on ship in Alaska and was coming home. His Mom called and said he had went down in airplane crash, seems he was imbiding a little bit and missed Plane Thank God. George we miss you
Rick & Dee Dee Massey says
It is with great sadness that Rick & I learned of Georges passing today. George was a good man with a great big warm heart. We felt privileged by having gotten to meet him, Grace & Scott and spend a little time together during our Bossons meetings. George will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Grace & the family.
Rick & Dee Dee Massey
Oklahoma City, OK