Virginia was born on January 25, 1925 to George and Fern Arduser in Belden, Nebraska. She grew up on a farm near Coleridge, with siblings Don, Doris, and Mary Lou. She loved to play piano and sing with her sister Mary Lou. In 1939 their father was killed when a tree fell on him. After Virginia graduated from Belden High School, she attended Wayne State College long enough to get a teaching degree. She taught country schools in the area until she met Henry Hilkemann after he was discharged from the Army in 1945. On February 2, 1947, the snow was so deep that Virginia’s brother had to use a horse and bobsled to get her to the Methodist Church where Henry and Virginia were married. They went to California for their honeymoon with a ’39 Chevy, wondering if it would make it there and back to their farm near Randolph, NE.
Three children were born to Henry and Virginia: Arlen, Carolyn, and Marilyn. Life on the farm was busy, raising corn, and cutting hay to feed to their cattle. In the 60s they had over a thousand laying hens, so they sold a lot of eggs until it became unprofitable! Virginia enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and cleaning. She played piano for the Methodist Church children’s choir and taught Sunday School there, as well as at the Community Bible Church in Norfolk after they began attending there. Often, she and the girls would gather around the piano to sing while she played the piano. She loved the Lord and led all of her children to trust in Jesus as their Savior.
After attending college, Arlen married Marilyn Heidner, and they moved to Montana as missionaries with American Sunday School Union (Later known as American Missionary Fellowship & InFaith). Carolyn married Dan Chamberlain, who worked for General Motors until he died. She married Allen Giddings and live in Oxford, Michigan. Marilyn married John Brighton, and they lived many places as an Air Force family, but now reside at Spotsylvania, Virginia. Henry and Virginia were blessed with ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
In 1986 they sold the farm equipment, leased out the farm and moved to Wausa, NE where they attended the Evangelical Covenant Church. Henry passed away in 2000, and Virginia later moved to Montana, living in an apartment at Faith Home before moving to the full-care section of the Home. She often played hymns on the piano there and enjoyed the activities. She was very thankful for the excellent care given to her. Virginia passed away June 22, 2022 at Faith Home.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her son Arlen and granddaughter Joy Brighton. On July 1, a viewing will be held at Brockhaus Funeral Home in Wausa, NE at 3:00. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, followed by a light lunch at the Evangelical Covenant Church. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 at the Gospel Fellowship Church in Wolf Point.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Gail Dugan says
Marilyn sending condolences to you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Virginia at Faith Home and loved her music in the evening. She shared her talent with residents and staff.
Chris and Greg Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort in the hope and promise of the resurrection as well as the care and love of friends and family. Lifting you up in prayer.
Margery Johnson says
Dear Marilyn and Carolyn:
My visits to Randolph usually took me past the farm that you were
raised and would bring back fond memories of cousins playing in the yard.
Sending prayers and sympathy to you and your family members.
Your cousin, Marge. (Margery and Leland Johnson. SLC,UT)
Rsine Adams says
Marilyn she is home now with the Lord JESUS. Phyliss is glad she prayed with you for her. I am thankful I was able to meet her when you would pick us up for church. Such a devotion and care to your blessed mother.
Connie Dahl says
Dear Marilyn and family of Virginia:
I will miss her so much. It was always so sweet to see her in church and see her smile and quiet spirit. We as believers look forward to the hope we have in seeing her again in her new body. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Love and prayers to you all! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Dave and Judy Hansen says
We first met Virginia back in our college days when we visited Arlen’s parents in Nebraska. Throughout her life she had such a sweet smile and sweet spirit. She will be missed but we rejoice in the Hope of Heaven. We extend our sympathy for their loss to all the family members.