Donald Hillesland

Donald Hillesland, age 66, passed away at his home in rural Northwood, North Dakota, on June 4,,2012. He was born March 31, 1946 at McVille, ND to George and Alice (Smaaland) Hillesland-Sandeen.
He attended grade school in Logan Center and in Aneta, ND. He grew to manhood in the Northwood community and was a 1964 graduate. He graduated from Wahpeton State School of Science, attended NDSU at Fargo and graduated from Washington State University at Pullman, WA.
Don married Eileen Moen September 20,1969 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Don worked for Allis Chalmers and JI Case as a district manager in Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota. He also worked for PCA in Yankton, SD. He established a business in financial services in 1992 in Yankton, SD.
Don was passionate in raising and training horses throughout his life. He and Eileen enjoyed trail riding on horseback or by carriage and entered parades in many communities, including the Rose Bowl Parade in the year of 1972.
A visit to their Yankton home included a buggy ride behind Tattoo, Don's spirited Tennessee Walker, or a climb on "Too Tall" Princess for a lead around the pasture. He loved guitar and fostered that interest in his son, Aaron. Fishing and pheasant hunting with many friends and family were some of his favorite past times. Sporting an engaging smile clear up to his eyes, Don conversed with any stranger or close friend with easy conversation. His aim was always to help, fix, build or improve his way out of any challenge!
Left to mourn his passing is his wife Eileen, son Aaron and daughter Laura Wang both of Woodburry, MN and granddaughter Kali Mutschelknaus of LaCrosse, WI. Brothers John (Bernie) Hillesland , Aneta, ND, Allen (Evie) Hillesland, Ellendale, ND, Mark (Jaci) Sandeen, Pflugerville, TX, sisters Esther (Ike) Nesheim, Moorhead, MN, Shari (Jim) Bilden, Northwood, ND, Mary (Eugene) Hannestad, Northwood, ND and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Hillesland, mother Alice and step-father John Sandeen and infant sister Caroline. Maternal grandparents Henry and Marie Smaaland, paternal grandparents John and Caroline Hillesland, and three nieces and one nephew.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 7 from 5-7pm with a 7 pm prayer service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Northwood, ND.
Funeral Services will be Friday ,June 8 at 4:30 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Interment Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND.
Clergy: Pastor Kent Sperry
Music: Marian Savage, Organist and Paulette Deutsch, Soloist
Casketbearers: Kristoffer Bilden, Marlo Hannestad, Chad Hillesland,
John Hillesland Jr., Troy Hillesland, and Danny Trageton
Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Swanson and Grandy & Marilyn Thorsgard