Virgil E Hilkemeier

Memorial services for Virgil Hilkemeier will be held May 23, at 2:15 in Moorcroft, at the First Presbyterian Church. Virgil Erwin Hilkemeier, 80 of Moorcroft, WY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. He was born June 24, 1937 in Atkinson, NE, to Fred and Dorothy (Schroder) Hilkemeier, the first of four children. At the age of 9, the family moved to Kimball, NE, where he went to school through his 8th grade year. He went to work immediately after to help the family. He worked for Flint Rig, Lyle Brown Well Service, and he started his own business "Virg's Well Service" all in Kimball. Virgil and Lois (Story) met through his brother, Donald, and a year later was married on July 10th, 1955, in Kimball, NE. Virgil was drafted to the Army in March 1957 and received honorable discharge in June of 1959. He was PFC Crew Chief, 57th Transportation 1st Edition. While in the Service, he received his GED, and became Daddy for the first time to a daughter, Rhonda, with four more children to follow, Dan, Donna, Connie, Perry. They raised their children in Kimball until 1967 and moved to Belle Creek, MT, and worked for Webb Resources for two years. While in Belle Creek, he received his Pilot license to fly. They moved to Moorcroft in July 1969, where he made his home and went to work for Green Electric. While working for Green Electric in Gillette, he went to school and received his Master Electrician License. Virg started Virg's Electric in 1978 and sold the business in 1996. He had other numerous jobs since retiring. After his wife Lois's passing in 1998, he and Barbara Jeffres were married on July 3, 1999. They enjoyed a life of traveling and going to Deadwood, SD. Virg also loved his scratch tickets and the lottery. Virg's greatest hobby was fishing, especially with his sons, son-in laws, and his grandchildren. Virg received his nickname "Mr. Terrible", when he was asked how he was doing, he would tell them terrible and then explain that there is only one way to go and that was up. If he told you he was fine you knew he was not. Virgil also loved the Christmas holiday, with lots of decorations and playing Santa Clause. Virgil is survived by his wife, Barbara Jeffres- Hilkemeier; and five children, Rhonda Smith of Moorcroft, WY; Dan (Charlene) of Belgrade, MT; Donna Mader (Dave) of Biddle, MT; Connie Christianson (Kevin) of Moorcroft, WY; Perry (Lisa) of Lake Preston, SD; two step children, Charlene Jeffress of Sterling, VA; Mike (Susan) Jeffress of Evergreen, CO, 21 grandchildren and 19 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents, Fred and Dorothy; wife, Lois Story; son-in law, Robert (Bill) Smith; granddaughter, Patty Hilkemeier; brother and sister-in-laws, Donald, Joan and Anita Hilkemeier. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Sharon's Home Health in Moorcroft, WY or charity of your choice. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website: www.gillettememorialchapel.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716