John Morris Hillestad
John Morris Hillestad, 88, passed away at Mari De Villa Retirement Center in Town and Country, MO on Monday, September 13, 2021. He was born on May 28, 1933 to Margaret (Goodman) and Maurice Hillestad in Middle River, WI, and was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Donna Hillestad (Smith), his parents, and sister June Rhodes. He is survived by his children Jeanne Staab (Robert), Thomas Hillestad, and James Hillestad (Elizabeth), and grandchildren Gregory Staab, Cristina Staab, Emily Hillestad, and Nicholas Hillestad. He grew up in Superior, WI, attended Superior Central High School and served in the Navy for four years during the Korean Conflict. After his service and Honorable discharge, he attended college at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, on the GI Bill, and worked for the highway department while obtaining a degree in Geology. In 1962, he moved to St. Louis and went to work for the U.S. Department of Defense, where he remained for the rest of his career. During that time, he obtained his Master’s degree in Geography from St. Louis University. He was a longtime resident of Brentwood, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball a St. Louis Blues hockey fan, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Immacolata and St. Mary Magdalen parishes and was a loving father and family man. He will be dearly missed.
Services: A joint visitation and funeral Mass for John and Donna will be held Monday, September 20 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2618 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63144. Visitation at 8:45 a.m. with the Mass to follow at 9:30 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John Hillestad’s name to the APDA (American Parkinson Disease Association) at www.apdaparkinson.org.
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Craig Strauman says
September 16, 2021 at 8:55 pmSo very sad to hear of this. My deepest sympathies to Jeanne, Tom and Jim.
Jeff Monaghan says
September 16, 2021 at 3:03 amA true father in the Catholic tradition, Uncle Jack was my Mom’s brother. His parents were my Grandparents. The warmth, love, light of Christ, and abiding presence of God strengthened their faith and was a source of joy for me! Jack & Donna shared their family, their children, their table, their humor and light with us all. God bless the Hillestads! For generations, this family has made us all their friends and welcomed us, healed us, and strengthened us in faith, hope, and love. Peace be with you, Jack & Donna! Thank you for everything You’re the best!
Nancy Monaghan Beery says
September 16, 2021 at 12:45 amLovely Uncle who always had the best smile and laugh! My heart and prayers are with you and your family.