Thomas Gibson Hilger was born to Don and Sara Hilger on June 26, 1963 in Helena, and passed away on May 24, 2013 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings. Tom attended South Fork School out of Wolf Creek, and graduated from August High School in 1981, where he was active in football, basketball, rodeo and track. In 1988 he married Stephanie Patton, and they lived on the family ranch until Tom joined the Coast Guard. Tom received an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard in 1991 and they returned to Montana to live and work on the family ranch in Dillon. Tom and Stephanie had three wonderful children: daughter, Mackenzie, and sons Taylor and Sam. Their marriage ended in 2000 and Tom moved to Lockwood, outside of Billings. In 2004 he married Paula Tasker, and this marriage ended in 2005. Tom moved to Worden where he owned several businesses in the Huntley/Worden area.
Tom is survived by his parents, Don and Sara Hilger, and his children Mackenzie, Taylor and Sam Hilger. Survivors also include his brother Don L. Hilger and his daughters Dallas and Chantia; sister Beth Noel and her sons Kyler and Quinn, and sister Pam Mihelish, her husband Bruce and their daughters Aaron Cordeiro and her husband Adam, Brett and Drew. He is also survived by his cousin and best friend Scott Steinbach.
A social gathering will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2013 in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to Dearborn Cemetery, c/o Gary Murphy, 5405 Hwy 434, Wolf Creek, MT 59648 or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 P.M.
Sunday June 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 P.M.
Sunday June 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Judy Steinbach says
My thoughts and prayers are with all you. Please cherish the memories of Tom as I surely will. I have way too many memories with Tom to mention just one. I will always hold those close to my heart. He was a great friend who was like a brother to me and a 2nd Dad to Miles and Skylar. I will always remember his smile and laugh. He will never be forgotten. Love and hugs to all of you.
Brian Dunning says
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Tammy Sitch says
There no words to take away the pain and hurt you all are feeling. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. All of my memeories of Tom were in high school. If was Tom was around you knew something was going to happen. He was so much fun, and so caring. He had a comment for everything and very quick witted. Tom may you rest in peace. You are going to be missed by so many. May god be with you and all of your family.
Corinne Welborn says
So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Londa Routzahn Burns says
Beth and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ruth Kosmicki-Manning says
Thoughts and prayers to All of Tom’s family. Tom had a huge heart and very helpful to many! He will be greatly missed and I am so thankful to all he has done or myself and my family, and the fun times we’ve shared. Tom you meant a lot to my dad and I know he meant a lot to you to! He sure misses you! We will all keep the great memories close to our hearts.
Nicole Croaker says
Tom was a generous, caring all around great guy. Tom always had a smile on his face and a hug for me whenever I needed one. No words can express how wonderful he was to so many. I will miss him very much and my thoughts are with the family.
Stephanie Fogleman says
Tom will be missed so very much by his family and friends. He was a wonderful guy with a big heart. He always had a smile and a big hug for you. He was the life of the party, and people loved him. Very kind and loving guy. He welcomed me into the family with open arms. I always had a great time with him. I will miss having him around. Those camping trips, and Harley rides will never be the same without him. You will be in our thoughts always. Miss Ya!!
Gary Gustafson says
Beth and Family-
Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family is in my thoughts during this time of sadness.
Lyn Mc Donough Edwards says
To the Hilger Family, My thoughts are with you at this great time of sorrow and grief. I remember Tom at the ranch when we were small kids. He and I both were the wrong age for everyone else. We played together because we were never included to be a part of the older kids! I will never forget those fun times. We ruled the pool table! I’m sorry I won’t be there for his celebration of life. Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lyn
Ken Hall says
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I SAY GOOD BYE TO MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER, TOM. I AM HAPPY TO HAVE HAD YOU IN MY LIFE, BUT TO BE CALLED YOUR FRIEND IS TRULY AN HONOR WHICH I WILL CARRY ALL MY DAYS. SO MANY HAVE BEEN TOUCHED TO HAVE BEEN APART OF YOUR TIME. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE LOSS OF SUCH A REMARKABLE PERSON. MAY YOU EMBRACE THE TIME OF LIFE WITH HIM TO FILL THE ABSENCE IN YOUR HEARTS. I MISS YOU IMMENSELY, TOM. AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!! TILL WE MEET AGAIN!
Mike riley says
Tom was always generous and stepped up when someone needed a hand. He had a great sense of humor, and I’m sad to see him gone. Our prayers are with him!
Heather McGillis says
Don and Sarah I am so sorry. I loved Tom and his spirit. He always made me laugh. He was a great person and will be missed by many. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts forever. I love you all.
Carol Herrin King says
Dear Hilger Family
I am so sorry for all the broken hearts. I pray for comfort and healing for all of you.
Carol King
perry gaubatz says
i am so sorry to hear about tom he bought my house in casa grande. he let us stay in it said we could by it back when able. i rode bikes with tom several times he was a great guy. i cant believe hes gone. i will ride with you in harley heaven my brother. love you man.
Rick & Gail Kuntz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends.
Richard Scherrer says
My condolences go out to the Hilger family. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
While we are all morning the loss of Tom, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil. There is not a goodbye; Tom will always be remembered in our hearts. He was the life of the party! I enjoyed the crazy times I spent with Tom and can hear His laugh and see a grin on his face.
I lift my “red solo cup” up in tribute to all the good times. Till we meet again…
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Miracle Browning says
I and my family are sorry for your loss. I did not know Tom well, but my children did. Tom was always polite when ever I did see him. He always told me what great kids I had and that I was lucky. I will always remember him that way as a kind man.
Fred Scherrer says
To the Hilger Family, my deepest condolences. Tom will be missed by many, he had that infectious laugh and sense of humor. I have so many great memories of our time together. Tom was one of my best friends throughout high school and one of the few that has kept in touch with me for the past 30+ years. I always enjoyed our conversations no matter what part of the world I was in. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. As I’m overseas again, I will miss his celebration of life, but know that Tom is in the hearts and minds of many. Good bye Tom, your were a great friend, thanks for the memories. Fred
Judith Williams says
Hilger family; I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s tragic passing. I did not know him at all but he certainly was a valuable member of the Dearborn Community. My condolences to you all.
J Williams
vickie fosjord says
Fozzy & myself want you to know how sorry we are for your loss , it just simple is a BIG loss. Tom was such a big part of our lives & is missed daily. Our prayers & thoughts go out to all of you daily.
Fozzy & Vickie