By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – A public memorial for Hi-Line football icon Mike Tilleman was held at the Great Northern Fairgrounds in Havre on Monday afternoon.
Along with the in-person crowd, there were over 185 devices tuned in virtually through Zoom.
The service was officiated by Father Pete Guthneck.
“A number of years ago, Mike asked me to lead the prayer at his funeral, whenever that time would come. I met Mike 42 years ago when I went to Chinook and asked if he would help me to get something in a vehicle that had crashed into a bridge at Highway 2 at Zurich. A friend and parishioner at the Catholic church in Rocky Boy had died in that accident. And over the years, we stayed in contact.”
Tilleman’s family read scripture.
“(The family) chose the first reading from the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah. Because they saw that Mike trusted in more than himself. More than his own mental abilities and physical strength. He was like a tree planted besides the waters. His roots went deep to the streams of life. He feared not the cold or the heat. In times of drought, he still bore fruit. He came from a long line of faith, hope and love.”
Gene Leonard, a long-time friend of Tilleman, provided the eulogy. He spoke not only of his outstanding football career, but also about his marriage with Gloria Tilleman and success becoming the owner of a car dealership.
“Tilly retired from football in May of 1977. He returned to his roots from Chinook, and entered the automobile business by purchasing a General Motors dealership. He became very successful and General Motors wanted him to take over the market in Havre. Mike and Glorida had just finished building their dream home. So he told General Motors that he would move to Havre, but General Motors would have to move their 5,000 square foot home from Chinook. And General Motors agreed. Mike was successful in everything he attempted.”
Tilleman passed away on September 18th at the age of 76.
He was an All-American at Chinook before playing at the University of Montana, followed by a 12 year NFL career.
MSU-Northern’s new stadium has officially been named Tilleman Field, in honor of the contributions made to the University by Tilleman and his family.
He is credited with creating the Legends for the Lights Celebrity Pheasant Hunt, along with other fundraisers that have brought in millions of dollars to the Northern Lights Athletic Scholarship Foundation.
