Cover photo for George Hilts's Obituary
1925 George 2012

George Hilts

April 9, 1925 — November 21, 2012

George B. Hilts passed away Wednesday, November 21 at his home in Choteau, Mt. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 28 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Choteau. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 29 at the Harlowton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Gorder Jensen Funeral Home of Choteau.



George was born on April 9, 1925 on the family farm near Salix Iowa to James J. and Edlah Knapp Hilts. He was one of five children and was delivered by his Grandfather Dr. Mark Hilts. After a typical farm-boy life, George joined in the U.S. Army Corp. during World War II. With his two older brothers overseas, George was kept stateside for the duration of his service. After being discharged from the military George enrolled in college on the GI bill. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1949 with a degree in Agronomy.



After graduation George took a job doing soil surveys with the Bureau of Reclamation and worked in several states, including Montana. In 1955, George accepted a position with the Kulijian Company to investigate soils for irrigation development in Iraq. George spent two years working in Iraq and during his vacations explored several countries, including trips to Europe. Following his return to the U.S. George took a job with the Soil Conservation Service in Montana. While working in Harlowton George met Helen Cavanaugh. They were married August 10, 1963. Their first daughter, Leslie, was born while they were still in Harlowton. Their next two daughters, Carolyn and Barbara, were born while they lived in Chinook. In 1976 the Hilts family transferred to Choteau where George worked until retirement in 1988.



George enjoyed gardening, collecting coins and guns, reading, bowling, and golf. In his younger years he was known as quite a dancer. Throughout his life he belonged to a number of civic groups such as the VFW, American Legion and the Kiwanis Club. George was also a regular member of the afternoon coffee club and was known for his truly awful jokes.



George is survived by his wife, Helen of Choteau; daughters Leslie (Paul) McFadden of Fort Collins, Co.; Carolyn (Halvor) Kamrud of Missoula, Mt.; and Barbara (Burke) Stott of Wasilla, Ak. George also leaves behind five grandchildren, Brett Kamrud of Butte, MT., Wyatt McFadden of Fort Collins, CO., McKenna Stott of Wasilla, AK, Dane Kamrud of Missoula, Mt., and Avery Stott of Wasilla AK. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Edlah Hilts, sisters Barbara Davidson and Sally Dion, and brothers David and Harry Hilts.



Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Hilts, please visit our flower store.

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