Orville Hilbrands

Orville Hilbrands, 100, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health in Milbank. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery. 

Orville Louis Hilbrands was born on May 7, 1924, in Sibley, IA, to Louis M. and Amelia (Runge) Hilbrands. He spent his early years on a farm near Sibley. Tragically, in August 1929, his father was killed in an accident involving a bull on the family farm. Following this, Amelia, along with her two sons: Orville and Marvin, moved to South Dakota to live with her brother, George Runge, near Twin Brooks. Amelia later remarried Bert Dikstaal. 

On November 27, 1954, Orville married Evelyn Thompson at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. The couple was blessed with three children: Steven, Linda, and Jeffrey. Orville was a devoted member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church.

In the early 1950s, Orville worked with Walt Quade building quonset huts for local farmers, while continuing to farm himself. Orville and Evelyn farmed together throughout their marriage. The couple retired in 2000 and settled in Milbank. He developed a hobby of creating toy models of farm wagons. Orville also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing Dominoes and Farkle, doing crossword puzzles, and watching the Minnesota Twins. He was known for his ability to fix almost anything.

Orville is survived by his children: Steven (Liz) Hilbrands of Milbank, SD; Linda (Kevin Mayfield) Yates of Powell, WY; Jeffrey Hilbrands of Milbank, SD; ten grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, LaVonne Schneck of Milbank, SD. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents: Louis H. Hilbrands and Amelia Dikstaal; his beloved wife, Evelyn Hilbrands; siblings: Marvin Hilbrands, Vera Dikstaal, Earl Dikstaal; one nephew, David Dikstaal; and one great-granddaughter, Tanlie Warner.