Larry Hiller

On August 25, 2025, in the early morning hours Larry Aldis Albert Hiller passed away peacefully at his home of 54 years.

On April 18, 1940, Larry was born in the little town of Brandon, Montana, in a small cabin with a sod roof to Aldis Albert and Leona Mary Hiller. He was the first son and became the middle child of 10 kids.

The Hiller family moved around a lot and called many different places home. Larry spoke fondly of Sheridan, MT remembering the end of World War II and the celebrations that took place. He recalled going to the bar as a young boy and asking for a beer (he got root beer).

Another move would take them to St. Ignatius, MT where they would live for quite some time and all the children would be baptized. He would recall memories of living in the little area called Nimrod, MT in a little cabin just off the highway and going from there into Clinton, MT for school. He and his brother Delbert shared a bunk house which would fill with snow during the winter months. Larry and his dad also lived in Garnet Ghost town where Larry would learn to work beside his dad logging and cutting and selling Christmas trees in Arizona.  Eventually the family would move to Missoula, MT where he would attend Hawthorne and Whittier grade schools. He attended Missoula County High School for a short time and dropped out to work with his father and provide for the family. As the oldest boy he felt it was his responsibility to help provide as family meant everything to him. He would go on to get his GED. 

A final move would land them up Lolo Creek (up the creek) where they settled for many years and made many memories to share with the next generation. 

At the age of 17, Larry and buddy got their hands on a couple of sticks of dynamite and took them up to waterworks hill and buried them and lit them off. He knew the minute he lit the fuse that he had done something wrong. He said that it rattled the entire town of Missoula. Two days later he would come home to find two officers speaking to his parents about the dynamite. He was given the choice of jail or joining the service. He chose the Navy, and his parents signed the papers as he was only 17 and he was on a bus headed to San Diego for basic training. After just a very short time served, he was medically discharged due to severe stomach issues. He said he was in just enough time to straighten him out. Larry refused to be called a veteran because he believed he didn't serve long enough to earn that title. If he had not become ill, he would have given a 100% commitment to the Navy because he was an honorable man therefore a veteran.

On a cold snowy Christmas Eve in 1958 he was driving in to Missoula from Lolo to see his girlfriend, who he had met at the Big T swimming pool four years prior, when he was in a horrendous wreck and pronounced dead. This was just one of many times that he cheated death leading many, including himself, to believe he was invincible. 

On August 27, 1965, Larry married Helen Irene Walters, the same girl he met at the swimming pool. They would go on to have three daughters: Diana, Stacey and Leslie completing their family. 

Larry worked at many companies: The Anaconda Company, White Pine Sash, Elkhorn Lumber Company, Garden City Floral, St. Patrick Hospital, Targe Range, and Beach Transportation. He always said he was a "jack of all trades and a master of none". Larry always did whatever it took to provide a life for his family and never complained. He viewed it as an honor to do so. Out of all his jobs he viewed his family as his greatest success. 

After retiring for good he taught himself to do woodcarving. This hobby would leave his loved ones with many treasured Christmas ornaments and other figurines. 

Most people would describe Larry as "a tough man who is larger than life" and a man of honor, but also a true, gentle man. Larry left this world a better place with grace and humbleness. Just how he lived his life. 

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Irene and his brother Delbert Hiller and sisters Francis Hammer, Reho Barron and Leona James. 

He is survived by his daughters Diana (Steve) Sontag. Stacey (Mike) Rossmiller and Leslie Hiller. Grandkids Amanda (Jordan) Knudsen, Matthew Rossmiller, Kelleigh Sontag and Kaytlin Rossmiller. Great grandkids Charles Shoemaker, Madison Shoemaker, Hannah Knudsen and Liam Knudsen. Siblings Ardith Omundson, Shirley Zigmund, Vickey Boyd, Arvid (Butch) Hiller and Forest Hiller.

Services will take place at 12:00 p.m. on September 3, 2025, at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception immediately following and graveside services at Missoula City Cemetery following the reception. Pallbearers will be Steve Sontag, Mike Rossmiller, Matthew Rossmiller, Forest Hiller, Butch Hiller and Patrick Hiller. In lieu of flowers please make a donation of your choice to any organization that supports young kids or kids in need.