Donald William Briggeman, 98, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023 in Deer Lodge. He will be remembered as a person who deeply cared for people and for the impact he made as an educator and administrator of schools.
Don was born on November 3rd, 1924, in Deer Lodge at St. Joseph Hospital. He was raised on the family ranch at Jens along with his brothers, Bernard and Martin, and sisters, Frances and Carmel.
Don attended high school in Deer Lodge before enlisting in the Air Force in 1943. He served in the South Pacific and returned home from the war in 1945. He was working at the Conoco gas station in Deer Lodge when he first saw Georgia Davis walking by on her way to work. They eventually met, had a first date at a fireworks display on July 4th, 1947, and married in 1949. They were together for the next 66 years until Georgia passed away in 2015.
Don continued his college education in Missoula and Dillon before starting his career as a teacher in Deer Lodge. From 1951-1969, he worked as a junior high and high school English and Social Studies teacher and then as high school principal. He was a charter member of the Deer Lodge Jaycees during that time and was also instrumental in the early construction of the Deer Lodge Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer and played into his late 70s.
Don and Georgia moved to Billings in 1969 and he eventually took on an administrative role at the newly formed Career Center for the local high schools. He retired in 1979 and the family moved with their six-year-old son, Vince, back home to Deer Lodge. Their house, south of town, became a hub for family gatherings on both sides, as well as the meeting place for Vince’s friends over the years.
Don is survived by his son, Vince (Yael Livny) of Portland, OR, and his grandchild, Georgia.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on May 6, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary’s Hall following the services.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donald.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 6, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St,
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Saturday May 6, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Luncheon
Following the graveside service
Saturday May 6, 2023
St. Mary's Hall
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 6, 2023
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St,
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Saturday May 6, 2023
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Luncheon
Following the graveside service
Saturday May 6, 2023
St. Mary's Hall
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
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David W Hammond says
Vince, although we’ve never met, I knew your Dad very well. He was my principle at High School and also my friend. Your folks and my folks were great friends as they spent many years playing bridge together. I still remember my Mom’s reaction when she found out that your Mom was going to have you. I’m glad that your parents lived such a long life together and my condolences to you.
David Hammond
Vince Briggeman says
David, this means a lot to me. Thank you for sharing your memory.
Earl D. Cook says
Mr Briggeman was a kind and fair counselor and principle. He and my uncle, Sidney Duane “Coop” Cooper, were great friends. During high school, Coop lived with Don and his parents for a time, and I believe they all played high school basketball. Aki Nishimura was also a classmate, ball player, and educator here in Portland. Mrs. Reighard (Fern), Georgia’s sister, was an early neighbor and good friend of my mom’s. There on Clagget St. Mark introduced me to his cousin, Dean Bowman. A good family all around. R.I.P. Mr. Briggeman and prayers for your extended family.
John Hoppe says
98 years, that is “a good innings” as the Brits would say. Mr. Briggeman was always kind to me, always helpful, and always a gentleman. I am sorry for your loss. Peace be with him, and you, and your family at this time.