Earl S. Hillstead

Earl S. Hillstead, 89, of Hitterdal, MN, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017, at home under the care of family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Earl was born July 22, 1927, to Oscar and Tina Anderson Hillstead on the family farm. He grew up and attended school in Hitterdal, graduating from high school in 1945. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Japan after WWII. Following his military service, Earl moved back home and on March 1, 1952, he married Marcy Heiraas. Together they made their home near Hitterdal on the farm. Earl continued farming until going into the electrical trade in 1954. He started Hillstead Electric with Jerry Dahl in 1970 and worked in the electrical business until retiring in 2007.

Earl enjoyed wood working and spending time with family. He was also a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marcy; daughters, Julie Jarett Coulter, Shelly Myron Moteberg, Melanie David Berg; grandchildren, Gabe Moteberg, Hilary Greg Thorson, Preston Moteberg, Kelsie Ben Anderson, Trygve Hillstead; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Elaina and Bristol Thorson, Beckett and Dashiell Anderson; brother, Robert; and daughter-in-law, Chris Hillstead.

Earl was preceded in death by his son, Ross; infant daughter, Oralee; and brother, James.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 21, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m., in Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN.

Interment will be at Salem East Cemetery, Hitterdal, MN.