Nathan Forrest Hilligas

Nathan Forrest Hilligas, 27, passed away on Saturday July 11th, 2020. Nathan was born to Steve and Nancy (Powell) Hilligas on June 29th, 1993, in Hastings, NE.  He was born into a season of storms and tornadoes. He came into a wild world and he loved living a wild life.  Nathan lived his life to the fullest.  He was hard working and fun loving to everyone he met. When asked, his dad would describe him with one word: “outgoing”. His mom would always say, “Where is Nathan? Oh, never mind, he is probably making a friend.” This is the way he lived:  friends to everyone. If you were to ask anyone, his best attributes were his smile, his sense of humor, his work ethic, and his love for his son, Raylan.

Our family would take camping trips every summer. This is where Nathan learned his love of the outdoors: fishing, hunting, exploring new things, and his love of animals. This passion led him to his best friend, Barley, and his degree in Animal Science.  After college, he worked for a rancher, Taylor Bemis, who taught him so much about nature, animals, and wildlife.  After a few years, a wedding, and a baby boy, he started working at the Research Center in Hays, KS. He loved working with all of the cows and calves.  

The biggest joy he had during his high school years was the birth of his niece, Aubrey, and nephew, Bryson. He had so much fun with these two as they grew up. There are many memories that the kids have of their Uncle Nathan; they would challenge him to games and tricks and jokes and he always seemed to have something ornery to teach them.    

Nathan is survived by his parents, wife Ashleigh, and son Raylan; his sisters Amber Winter of Ord, NE, Caitlin Hilligas (Spenser Williams) of Sanford, FL, and Emalee (Mikel) Roark of Blue Hill, NE; his Grandmother Mary Powell of Mankato, KS; his niece and nephews Aubrey and Bryson Winter of Ord, NE and Creighton Roark of Blue Hill, NE; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nathan is preceded in death by Grandparents Merle and Arlene Hilligas and Grandfather Forrest ‘Casey’ Powell. 

Services will be taking place at Brader’s Barn in Glenvil, NE on Tuesday, July 28th at 9am with Rev. Ronald Kuehner officiating. 

Graveside services will be for private family at a later date.

Memorials and condolences can be addressed to the family and sent to Merten-Butler Mortuary, P.O. Box 185, Blue Hill, Nebraska 68930.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.

Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

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