Jacob was born on December 3rd, 1997. Our only little boy after having two daughters. We were so excited and scared as he was early and not breathing well, but he surprised us with his fighting spirit. That fighting spirit would remain his whole shortened life on this earth before returning to his Father in Heaven on March 20, 2015.
Jacob was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy around 18 months old on a warm August morning. He may not have been strong in body but he was strong with his love for life. He amazed us with the way he looked at life and his innocence gave us such a blessed perspective on the world. He loved school and his friends. He loved x-box and hunting. He was able to spend time with his Dad and Uncle Dale on the loved family farm to hunt. And it still was the only place he ever slept an entire night. He loved spending time with his close friends the Bradfords watching football as a whole hearted Dolphins fan, even if Uncle Scott was a Chiefs fan. Jacob had the funniest sense of humor and made so many people smile through his life. Jacob also was a fan of classic rock and old time rock n roll. The kid loved Elvis and Queen.
Jacob participated in the special Olympics, even though we had to push him to go sometimes, he loved getting the blue ribbons in the end. He loved learning about history and one of his best memories was watching the Custer Battlefield reenactment with his dad and sister. He had the mind of a builder and loved to know how things worked. He spent several days with his dad building new contraptions to make their hunting trips go a bit smoother. Jacob loved being a part of the football team and getting to be on the side lines for games at Helena High, even if he only got to a few, he considered himself a part of that team. He also had the best experience with HIS (as he called it) 8th grade football team coached by Sean Maharg a few years ago.
Jacob was an animal lover and would have had as many dogs and cats as possible, but the ones he did have will miss him….Max, Bear, Tater, Tinker, and Jag will miss you.
Jacob had such a strong presence in this world even from the time he was very little. People used to just come up to him in stores or restaurants to talk with him…..they were drawn to him. He had an angelic face, always child like… with a young mans body. He will be greatly missed by many he touched through his life. He leaves behind his sisters, Keah Hiatt and Brittany Oliphant (Married to Aaron Oliphant), they were his best friends and his world. He will be missed by his young nephews, Eestyn, Colton, Bowyn, and Mason that he loved so much. Both of his Grandmothers, Darlene Strelic and Lynore Hiatt, his Great-grandmother Katherine Fern Martin. His mom, Apryl and dad, Terry……they will have a piece of their hearts missing until one sweet day when they will see Jacob again running with angels on streets made of gold, with His Maker in Heaven, or he may even be playing football with Jesus or John the Beloved, as he used to say he would when he reached Heaven.
He also leaves many cousins, aunts and uncles, and close friends……………way to many to name, but know he loved you all so so much. Jacob’s friends were always very special to him, many he had from pre-school through high school. He loved making them laugh and his smile was infectious when you would see him with this mischievous glint in his eye. We know that he is making many smile in Heaven this day. We can’t wait til we get to see that smile again.
He is prceded in death by both of his grandfathers, Glenn Hiatt and Leslie Tobel.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the funeral service in the social center of the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at the Geraldine Cemetery in Geraldine, MT. In lieu of flowers the Hiatts have a fund set up at Valley Bank for gift or donation. You may also send gifts or donations in Jacob’s name to the Montana Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2070 Overland Ave. St., Billings, MT 59102-7429 or ManTech (making life assessable for those with disabilities), Rural Institute- MonTech program 700 SW Higgins Ave., Suite 250 Missoula, MT 59803.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 28, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 28, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 28, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 28, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Christina, Justin and Kennedy Walsh says
Our family is heartbroken. We know Jacob is running, jumping, dancing with Jesus. Your family will be in our prayers. We love you, all.
Kayla McOmber says
To the Hiatt Family I know you lost your son. He is the heart of your live. You all had to endure his illnesses. Watching a love die is so very painful. I know that Jacob is with the Lord and his Family. Jacob you will be missed, yet you will always be in our Hearts.
Barbara Andersen says
He is with Jesus now in his arms, dancing and singing praises. Praying for you all.
Diana Stewart says
I will miss your laugh n smile. Your excitement and singing. I will miss you. My condolences to Jacobs family and other friends. God bless us all.
Tasha Herrin says
I am so heart broken for your family. Sending prayers and love to you all.
Jordan Marks says
Jacob I will miss you so much you used to make me smile everyday when I used to go too school at Helena High I hope you will always look down on all of us from heaven you’re in a better place now buddy
carissa holliday says
I feel sorry for you I hope everything is ok
hayley russell says
Jacob I have known you my whole life, you were such an amazing person and you were loved by everyone you could make anyone smile the most that im going to miss is seeing you in the halls when we walk by and outside when we past each other by the shops and always Remember that wheel chairs are sexy that’s what all the Helena high softball players would say we are all going to miss you at the high school and im going to miss seeing you next door out on the car your father built for you or when your out with your sisters every once and while we all love and miss you Jacob you and your family have my heart and prayers out to you love you Jacob
jessica and tristian says
Jacob you were such a brave and strong young man you were a true inspiration to so many, you had a smile that would light up a room. You truly were a angel on earth that touched so many lives I’m so greatful that tristian had you as his friend you will be forever loved and missed.
To the Hiatt family I’m sorry for your loss and I want you to know you all are in my family’s prayers, we Also thank you for bringing such a wonderful young man into the world, he was gods angel and now he can open his wings and fly he will always be with you in your hearts mind and soul and watching over every one
Pat Armstrong says
Fare well you beautiful soul.
You will never know how many lives you changed with that smile. I will remember it until I see
it again in heaven. Know your people will be ok in a while because memories of you bring nothing but happiness.
The Henry's says
I have the fondest memories of my Morgan holding Jacobs hand, helping him to the table at lunch time, or to walk across the yard when they were little. Jacob brought such life and happiness into everyone’s lives. We will always love him and never forget his beautiful smile and kind nature. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Judy Shank says
Prayers for the family for comforted by the arms of Christ. As I know Jacob is in the arms of the Lord with no more pain.
Kristen Lyndes says
Such sad news. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane and Dan Koehl says
Our deepest condolences to the Hiatt family. Knowing Jacob has been a blessing in our lives and the lives of our daughter, Sally Winn, and granddaughters Emily and Hannah Winn. In this time of loss, may your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of the time you were given with Jacob.
Destiny Alberts says
Jacob was such a sweet boy. I enjoyed working with him a lot. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Virginia Johnston says
I don’t think I have ever met such a brave and couragous family before and now my heart goes out to all of you at this saddest time in your lives. God Bless and keep you in his arms and give you strength to carry on.
My deepest sympathy to all.
Fadness Family says
Such a beautiful child that touched the heart of everyone that met him. We are thankful for the time we had with him. Rest in peace.
Amy Anderson says
Jacob was an amazing young man with an amazing, loving and supportive family.
Cathy Scholtens says
Your family gave Jacob the biggest gift of all, unselfish love. You didn’t make him stay, you let him choose his own path into the Light. Brittany and Keah, you are the best sisters a guy could have. Thank you for staying so strong for him. Terry and Apryl, there are no words to tell you how amazing you are. May you find peace in knowing Jacob is where he needed to be. All my love.
Alyssa Chatfield says
Praying for your family. Jacob truly was a terrific young man; a great sense of humor and deep loyalty to those he loved. I am so grateful he shared a part of his life with me.
Evelyn Knowles & Fred. Stankey says
Hiatt Family, Our prayers are with all of you. We know that Jacob is one of our angels that is guiding us down here even thou we may not be able to see him.We will all miss him very much. Our Love & Prayers are with you all.
Darrel & Carol Alm says
Terry and family, sorry to hear of the passing of Jacob. Our prayers are with all of you, may God give your the strength and love to get through this hard time. We remember Jacob as a precious little boy with a smile all the time.
Judy Carrigan says
Although I won’t be able to attend the celebration of Jacob’s life, I will be thinking of you all. You are a wonderful family who have been so devoted to Jacob. Jacob made an impact on so many people’s lives and that is something a parent can be so incredibly proud of. I just keep thinking of the phrase “my chains are gone, I’ve been set free.” What joy that must be for Jake.
My heart and thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carrie Langendorff says
I wish we would be able to attend the celebration of Jacob’s life. My heart breaks for your loss. The love, strength and endurance of your family inspires me but also so many others as well.
mistynichols says
Jacob. Im going to miss you i went to school with u at Helena high school my name is misty
Lynn James says
I always considered that Jacob led you to your nursing career. Thank you, Jacob.
I am sending love Apryl, and I am grateful that Jacob is at peace.
Hugs,
Lynn
Giles Family says
Offering our deepest condolences to the Hiatt Family, may Revelation 21:3,4 be a source of comfort during this difficult time.
Theresa Harting says
Apryl, Terry, Brittany, and Keah our hearts are with you sending our love and prayers. Your Jacob was very well loved. No words can ease your pain but know you are being lifted up by those who love you and loved Jacob. May you find peace until you see him again.
Love Theresa, Rocky, and Jordan Harting
Wendy Biegler says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jacob and his family. Jacob was in my fourth period Personal Wellness Class his Freshman year. I must admit, my favorite class of all time. My students took great care of Jacob. They gave him a sense of belonging and they all loved him so much! He will be greatly missed! I am reminded daily of Jacob and his classmates as their picture is In a frame on my desk. A gift that was given to me by a student in our class. I know now that he is in good hands, smiling down upon us, and running around in heaven. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Wendy Biegler
justin gudde says
I only met Jacob a hand full of times when I was hanging out with Scott and Shelly and even whent over to Seattle when he was there a few years ago with the Bradfords. Hey always had a smile on his face and yes I strongly believe that he is most definitely healed, walking, running and talking with Christ.
Louise Miller says
Dear Terry, Apryl, Brittany and Keah, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Please let us know if we can do anything. All our love, Aunt Lou, Ron and Tyler.
Susan Simmons / Jacob says
Our son Jake was you son Jacob’s Classmate. Jacob asked me to send a message to you, expressing how much he will miss Jacob. Jacob was a good friend of his and is sad at his passing. You are all in our prayers. We knowf Jacob is now with the angels in heaven and smiling down on everyone he loved and cared about. God Bless you
April Mischke and family says
Sending you hugs for comfort and prayers for strengh to help you through. God bless.
Casey Kyler-West says
Jacob’s love for life touched so many people and seeing all these comments is a testament to how much he was loved. It never ceases to amaze me how much one person can make a difference and Jacob did make a difference during his short time here. I feel honored that I had the chance to know him. Apryl & Terry, you are amazing parents and I’m so sorry Jacob had to go so soon. God Bless.
Curtis & Kathy Garrett says
Words don’t seem adequate to express the sadness we feel at your loss.
I can only imagine there is no pain deeper and far-reaching than the loss a child. Life sometimes seems to make no sense.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult tike
Deepest sympathy…..
Curt
Kay Laverdure says
Missing you, Jacob. I will always remember the laughter and sing-along’s on the bus. We had so much fun!
Matt Horvath says
I will always treasure the innocence behind every off remark and his “I’m right” translation
of the world. He was so aware of his surroundings and all his classmates. He thought of us
and engaged us and, without fail, drew me into his fantasy. I picture him at my side even now,
and I know that when I reach that special place he shall come running,, and my arms will be wide open. Jacob, I will miss you, but never forget you.
Matt Horvath
Lisa Wamsley says
Dear Apryl and family,
Oh, how I wish I could have met Jacob (one day in heaven I shall 🙂 It is so different for each of us and for every loss we experience individually. Words are always so inadequate but know that I have been through this, you can survive this, and it does get more graceful. I hope Jacob has met my son, Joshua, already. I am sure they love each other already. Holding each of you in sisterly arms of love. Praying God’s all-encompassing comfort and mercy, grace and love to wash over each of you individually, and also to bind you tightly to one another. God promises blessings through our storms. Watch for those blessings as you share Jacob’s story with those who God places in your paths.
Heather Ireland says
Dear Apryl and Family,
There are no words that can bring you comfort – but know that you are surrounded by love and support.
Carol Tillema says
Apryl and Terry and family my heart is hurting with the Loss of Jacob! I so loved all the pictures you faithfully shared of Jacob with us on Facebook. What a blessing Jacob was to everyone and you and Terry and his sisters were such a good family for him! I am sending you prayers and love and hugs at this difficult time?
The Tyrrel famil says
Jacob & family
I am deeply saddened by the lose of Jacob.My son William known you his whole life pretty much.I will miss his smiling face in the hallways & when I bring William into school they both giving fives to each other.I know William was one of his closest friend even though he can not talk.I will miss his speeding w his wheelchair & we almost having head-on crash lol the aids telling him to slow down. but he was your normal boy there.To think he died on 1 day of spring tells y God planed it this way that his life not over just begun he will always be in our hearts his class will not be the same w out him there my prayers & thoughts go with your family
Ruth Tyrrel
Sarah Crowley says
Dear Apryl and Family,
Your family has walked this journey with bravery, compassion, and such faith. Jacob was an angel, and he was blessed to have been born into your loving family. Many prayers.
Sarah Crowley
Julie Rader says
Jacob was the light of so many people’s lives. He has left a mark on all of us. I am so sorry for your loss. I know words never seem to feel like enough but know you have so many people thinking of you and that are there for you. Hugs and kisses…
Tillo Family says
My deepest sympathies for your family. Although I never met Jacob, my son Joey was lucky enough to have Jacob on his football team in middle school. He was always excited to see Jacob at the games being wheeled back and forth on the sidelines! All the boys were for that matter. His obituary is beautiful and gave us all a wonderful picture of his life. My heart goes out to all of you. Blessings to you all.
Robyn Morrison says
My heart breaks for you. I am so deeply touched by the other comments and how much love and life Jacob brought into the world in his life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May mercy and love surround you in your time of loss.
Katie Olsen says
I didn’t know Jacob or your family but wanted to give my condolences. I lost my son to the same disease and can understand your pain. He sounded like strong, happy kid. I’m happy you got the time you had with him. He’s watching over all of you now. You are in my prayers.
KimTalbot says
We are so blessed to have had Jacob in our lives! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dr Donald and Barbara Wight says
Apryl and Terry,
We are so sorry for your loss. You both were incredibly amazing parents to him, and made his life as comfortable and happy as possible. It will never be easy, but we hope you can find comfort that he brought happiness to everyone he knew.
kiara says
Dear Hiatt Family
I am so sorry for your lose of Jacob Hiatt. He was a good friend. I went to pre school with him entell 9th grade. We went to HELENA HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER when I go to school I think about him every day and every night. He will always be in my mind every day. He was a cool kid. At helena high
school he will also be missed by some good friends of his. Every one at school thinks about you Jacob Hiatt.
kiara says
Jacob I have known you my whole life, you were such an amazing person and you were loved by everyone you could make anyone smile the most that im going to miss is seeing you in the halls when we walk by and outside when we past each other by the shops and always Remember that wheel chairs are sexy that’s what all the Helena high softball players would say we are all going to miss you at the high school and im going to miss seeing you next door out on the car your father built for you or when your out with your sisters every once and while we all love and miss you Jacob you and your family have my heart and prayers out to you love you Jacob
Kiara says
Jacob I haave known you for my hole life even when we were little and when I got the bad news about you it hurt so bad I was hurt when I got the bad news it hurt to lose my best friend I could not sleep at all I always blame my self for it and my friends say don’t blame your self at all god thought that it was time for him to go that was hard for me to lose you Haley was hurt so bad like me you where a good friend to everyone at Helena High you made peoples day at Helena High we miss seeing you at Helena High. When I go to 3 perid it will hurt me to not see you in 3 perid.