Robert J. Nilles

HAMILTON – Robert John Nilles, 84, of Hamilton passed away December 23, 2015 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.  He was born to John and Eleanor Nilles near Gregory, South Dakota on January 24, 1931.  Robert was the eldest of 8 children.

In 1933 the family moved to Iowa and eventually settled near Ashton.  After graduating from high school, Robert served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1954.  He went through the Military Language Institute in Presidio, CA and became a Romanian Linguist.  Robert was stationed in Austria and had many stories and pictures to share of his adventures in Europe.

After his honorable discharge, Robert returned to Iowa to work on the family farm.  On November 24, 1954 he married Rita Mae Krogman.  Their union produced 5 children.  They continued farming until moving to Montana in 1966.  A year later, Robert became an animal caretaker at the Rocky Mountain Lab where he retired in 1991.

On April 13, 1984 Robert married Rose “Rosie” Murie Rall.  Her son, Wade, quickly became a part of the family.  Robert and Rosie had a place at Lost Horse where he raised cattle and hosted many parties with an abundance of food and cheer.

Robert enjoyed traveling to visit friends, hosting and attending lawn parties, camping, hunting, boating, fishing, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, helping with Gymkhana rodeos and playing pinochle into the wee hours of the morning.  Robert was a member of the Eagles, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and was an avid NRA member for years.

Robert formed many lifelong friendships throughout his time in Iowa, the military and Montana.  He was generous and always willing to help a neighbor, friend, or anyone in need.  Robert was a charismatic practical joker and always had a twinkle of mischief in his eye.  Hearing him and his siblings talk about their childhood, it’s no wonder their mother’s hair turned gray.  His stories, playful manner and wit would light up a room and leave everyone laughing.  Robert was a proud Montanan and enjoyed sharing the beauty and history of the state with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and visiting guests.

Robert is survived by his wife, Rosie; children, Diana (Paul) Rennaker, Mike (Shauna) Nilles, Dan Nilles, Jim (Cindy) Nilles, Julie (Mark) West and Wade Rall; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Thomas (Mary Ann) Nilles, Barbara Law, Rose Rodger, Bill (Mary Jean) Nilles, Pat Sangl, Jerry (Kit) Nilles and Lee (Sherry) Nilles.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor Nilles; his 1st wife, Rita Krogman-Nilles-Ament; and his grandson, Thomas Rennaker.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Robert’s neighbors, his home health nurses, St. Patrick Hospital and the V.A. for their assistance.  We remember people in life by the footprints they leave on our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Daly-Leach Chapel.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.