Richard J. Hillestad, age 86, passed away peacefully in Garretson, SD on Sunday September 15, 2024.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson, SD with Fr. Kevin O’Dell celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Garretson.
Visitation and Wake service will be Thursday, September 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Garretson, SD. Wake and Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM.
Richard was born on December 13, 1937, to Clarence and Clara (Hillerud) Hillestad in Brookings, SD. He attended schools in the Brookings area. After school he worked at a furniture store in Aurora, SD, and then at the Brookings CafĂ© as a fry cook. That is when he met the love of his life, Virginia Seas. They were married August 2, 1960, in Brookings at St Thomas More Catholic Church. After two years and two daughters, Theresa and Pam, they moved their family to a farm near Hudson, SD. He worked as a farm hand for a local hog farmer for seven years. During those years, money was tight, close friendships developed and every weekend became a cherished time for gathering with the neighbors. They would come together to fish, enjoy picnics, play cards and simply spend quality time with one another. These weekends were filled with laughter, shared stories and a deep bond that helped them through hard times. During their time in Hudson three more children joined the family, Sheila, Mike, and Julie. Then in 1969 they moved to Garretson where Craig joined the family. Rich worked at Sioux Steel and then Stockyards before taking a job at Burlington Northern Railroad on the Bridge and Building crew, where he retired after 30 years. Rich then took a part time job delivering flowers for North American Wholesale Florist until 2013. They traveled extensively and were able to visit all 50 states. In 1994 they traveled to Rome, Italy, then in 2012 were fortunate enough to travel, with family, to Germany to visit a niece. Rich took great joy in attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s activities. A special group of friends, called ‘The Birthday Club’ became an important part of their lives. This close nit group gathers regularly creating even more cherished memories. The friendships formed in Hudson and Garretson became a source of strength and comfort creating memories that lasted a lifetime.
Richard will be missed by many, including his wife Virginia, daughters: Theresa Schafer, Sioux Falls, Pam (Mark) Braa, Garretson, Sheila (Jeff) Martens, Hartford, and Julie (Robert) Apodaca, Wright WY; Son: Craig (Faye) Hillestad, Sioux Falls; daughter in law: Angie Hillestad, Rochester MN Grandchildren: Eric (Hattie), Jay, Lea (Felix), Naomi (Edward), Abby (Matt), Jake (Jaci), Kari (Kent), Ben (Miriam), Nick (Stephanie), Lee (Kassie), Andrew, Shelby, Shawn, Charlie, Falecha (Justin), and Dorane (Dan), as well as 38 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara Hillestad, his parents in law, Carl and Blanche Seas, brother Arnold Hillestad, sisters Millie Ridge and Mable Schutjer, sisters in law, Elaine Mitchell, Marlys Paulsen, JoAnn Seas, and Arlene Seas, brothers in law, Wayne Schutjer, Shirley Seas, Kenneth Seas, Chris Jensen, Norman Paulsen, Mack Mitchell, and his son, Michael Hillestad.
