LTC Jack Edward Hihnala (Ret.), the eldest of seven children, born July 18, 1939, in Butte, Montana to Jack and Violet (Mattson) Hihnala passed away on February 17, 2017.
Jack attended Butte High, Montana Tech and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Montana. Employed by the Department of Defense as the Comptroller for the Montana National Guard, Jack’s military Career began in 1962 enlisting in the US Army being stationed in Germany. To continue his military career Jack attended the Montana Military Academy receiving his commission as an Infantry Officer with the 19th Special Forces Airborne (Green Beret) and attended the Command and General Staff College advance course. His military career continued for 32 years.
Jack married the love of his life Beverly Malyevac on December 28, 1968, St John’s Catholic Church in Butte, Montana. During their 48 years of marriage traveling was a large part of their lives. Two pilgrimages to Rome, Italy having audiences with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. Their 21 ft motor home took them throughout the United States and Canadian Provinces. Following the Montana Grizzlies football team was on their agenda.
Jack was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Jack became a scouter in grade school and continued until his time of death receiving the silver beaver, bronze bear, and several other awards. He taught the College of Commissioner and Doctorate courses. He was Unit Commissioner for Troop 214, a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Butte BPOE #240, American Legion Post, and the Amateur Radio Club.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Judy Jeniker and Lorna Hihnala, brothers, Leonard and Larry Hihnala, brother-in-law, Don Gilbert, sisters-in-Iaws, Marlene Kriskovich and Marlene Malyevac and nephew Scott Gilbert.
Jack is survived by his wife, Beverly of 48 years; sister, Sharon Gilbert, Butte, MT, brother, David Hihnala, Butte, MT; brothers-in-Iaws, Frank Jeniker, Lakeside, MT, John Malyevac, Butte, MT, sisters-in-laws, Helen (John) Nelson, Butte, MT, Joyce (Leo) Pierce, Las Vegas, NV, nieces and nephews Kim (Brian) Hall (Hailey, Hannah and Logan) Snohomish, WA, Kathy (Ed) Aders (Jeff and Greg) Billings, MT, Joe (Tracy) Kriskovich (Tanner and Nikki) Tracy, CA, Kim (Leo) Morgan (Scott and Stefi) Woodbridge, VA, Karen (Rob) Eamon (Kyler, Jackie, Katie, Rick, Eliam, Olivia) Meridan, ID, Jim Kriskovich (Ryan and Grady) Richland, WA, Patti (Scott) Doremas (Casey and McKenna) West Ford, MA, John Mike Malyevac, Alexandria, VA, Marie (Bill) Koole (Austin and Kiera) Woodinville, WA, Lori (Craig) Argall (Chad, Logan and Cara) Sparks, NV, Lisa Pierce Paquette (Connor and Taylor) Las Vegas, NV, Debbie Gilbert (Lane and Trace) Billings, MT, Don (Karyn) Gilbert (Saige and Luke) Utica, NY, and several cousins.
Memorials are suggested to: Boy Scouts of America 820 17th Ave S. Great Falls, MT; Knights of Columbus PO Box 4097, Helena, MT 59604; or Cathedral Of St Helena 530 N Ewing Helena, MT. 59601.
A Mass is set for 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 Ewing St., with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison, after the reception. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 24, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Friday February 24, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Friday February 24, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 24, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Friday February 24, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Friday February 24, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Brenda Deyerle says
Bev I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack will truly be missed your are in my prayers.
flossie shaw says
Bev
Sorry to read of Jack’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Raymond & Linda Read says
Thoughts, prayers and sadness as we process Jack’s passing. Special Forces Community has lost a very good friend and ally. Notices are being sent throughout the area!
Raymond & Linda Read says
Thoughts ,prayers and sadness as we process Col Hihnala’s passing. Special Forces has lost a very good friend, brother in arms and an ally. Notices are being sent throughout the area!
Lori Cole says
Bev, So sorry, Heaven gets another blessed angel. You are in my thoughts.
Steve Sampson says
Bev,
So sorry to hear about Jack.
Always enjoyed visiting with him when I could.
He will be missed.
Ken Liston says
Bev and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jack passing. I served with him in the 19th Group, he swore me into the unit in 1975 when I enlisted. I also served with him in the Scouting Community in Helena as a Scouter and Unit Commissioner in the District. When I last saw Jack, he regaled me with a story of a hot license plate that is in your motor home from northern Canada, eh? We were both laughing at the end of it.
Bruce Tidball says
Best wishes and prayers for your loss.
Bruce Tidball says
I was in th 19th 1964 to1966. I feel soorow that another warrior has passed.
Aaron Hitchcock says
I had the privilege of working with Jack for many years in the 19th. I’m very sorry to lose a good friend.
I send our prayers and thoughts to you in your time of loss and grieving.
Karen & Whitey Van Swearingen says
Bev,
So sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. We are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time!
Lori Hedberg says
Bev, I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you my friend.
Connie & Al Bell says
Bev, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We thought Jack would live a lot longer since he had such
energy. He was a great family member to the Harmala/Bell family. Al’s family called the Hihnala’s
the Butte people and we were called the Farm People. Jack will always be missed. Take Care!!
LaVerne Daicich says
Bev:
So sorry for your loss. We will miss him at the BHS reunions.
LaVerne Larson Daicich
Doug & Gloria Hall says
So sorry to hear of Jacks passing, keeping you in our prayers.
John & Cherie Dahl says
So sorry Bev. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. I have a lot of good memories of both of you.
Jim Shea says
To the Family
knew Jack many years ago from the East Side. His Mom was the neighborhood mom to so many of us. Their home was our home. Many memories of all of us “hanging out”. Condolences to mhis wife. Sharon and David our prayers are with you.
Karen L Dimmitt says
PO Box 1521
Karen L Dimmitt says
Dearest Bev, Dave and Sharon and all your family,
Very sad to hear of Jack’s passing. My prayers and heartfelt thoughts are going out to all of you. I pray you find much comfort in memories that you have shared throughout the years. I have been honored to have shared in a few of those family gatherings and celebrations. God bless you in your grief.
Joyce Fries says
Bev,
We were so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I know that you have wonderful memories of your life with Jack. Our daughter Hanna has fond memories when you and Jack watched her for us. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Bob and Joyce Fries
Fred and Pat Verzan says
Bev, We are sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our prayers are with you during this time and in the future. May he rest in Peace.
Lynnette Avery says
I am so sorry to hear this news Bev. I will always remember Jack as an amazing husband to you and had a big smile on his face. He will be missed by many. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Delores Almanza says
I am So sorry for your loss, god bless you and yours.
Lori Adams says
Bev,
I was saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Redmond says
Bev, I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. May God lessen your sadness and bring you peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol and Steve Athearn says
Bev, Steve and I were so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a good man. Our prayers are with you. Thinking of you and all the family.