Albert “Al” Hisley

Albert “Al” Paul Hisley, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Carver, MN on January 25, 2022, surrounded by a circle of love from his family.  Al was born on December 24, 1945, in Baltimore, MD, to Mildred (Bejvan) and John Edward Hisley Sr.

Al dedicated his life to service.  In his professional career, he worked for the Vocational Training Center, Fargo, as Sales & Marketing Manager.  In his nearly 20 years working there, he placed many hundreds of individuals with disabilities in jobs, enriching their lives and benefiting the community.

Al also served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era.  Following his honorable discharge, he continued his service to our country by joining the North Dakota Air National Guard.  He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, following nearly 30 years of miliary service.

One of the joys of Al’s life was spending time with his beloved grandchildren.  He was a man of great faith, who connected with people and put others above himself.  In his spare time, Al was well known for being passionate about cars, owning 38 autos during his lifetime driving years.  He was also known for making, what many described as, the world’s best spaghetti sauce.  Despite repeated requests, including bribery and lavish promises, Al steadfastly refused to give anyone the recipe and it will forever remain “Al’s Secret Sauce.”

Al married Mary Randash (Thompson) Hisley in September 1983 in Fargo, ND, where they lived until moving to Highlands Ranch, CO in 1990.  They also lived in Annapolis, MD; Plymouth, MN; and Fargo before moving to Carver, MN, in 2007 to be closer to family.

Al is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary M. (Randash) Hisley, his children, Kara (John) Norton, Josh (Leah Lellman) Hisley, Mark (Keegan) Hisley and his bonus daughter, Heather (Phil) Thompson Rodemann, as well as grandchildren Ava and Ivy Norton, Lyla Hisley, Dan Rodemann, Grace Rodemann, and his great-granddaughter Gena Dampier.  Other surviving family members include his sister, Theresa (Vincent)Toni, his brother, Steve Hisley (Ellen Dayhoff), sister-in-law, Rosanna Polino Hisley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred (Bejvan) and John Edward Hisley Sr; and his two brothers, Richard Hisley and John Edward Hisley Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 5, at 3:00 pm, with visitation from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at Wright Funeral Home, 605 Second Ave S, Moorhead.  For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed from the Wright Funeral Home website, www.wrightfuneral.com,  beginning at 3:00 pm.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 12, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Baltimore, MD.

The family suggests that instead of flowers, contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Al’s favorite charities.