Jon "Bob" Hillesland

Jon “Bob” Hillesland, age 78, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Monday, May 11, 2015, at Sanford Health System in Fargo, ND. Jon was born at home on a stormy January 31, 1937, the only son of John and Violet (Busse) Hillesland. He attended country school and later graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1954. Jon furthered his education at Bemidji State University for a year before his help was needed on the farm. On August 13, 1988, Jon was united in marriage to Geri Walz and the couple made their home east of Mahnomen. He worked for Lee Electric for 24 years and then retired from Wild Rice Electric after 20 years. Jon enjoyed playing softball, bowling and 4-wheeling. He loved being in the woods using his Bobcat to make 4-wheeler trails along the Wild Rice River for family fun. He also loved to be outside and cut wood. He enjoyed family and friends get togethers and having 4-wheeler parties at the river. He took pleasure in collecting and refurbishing farm toys. Jon raised beef cattle and farmed hay land for as long as his health permitted. Jon and Geri traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada on vacation while still employed. After retirement, health problems kept them closer to home. Jon is survived by his wife, Geri (Walz) Hillesland; three step-children: Tammy Farley (Scott Stevens), Kelly Monroe and Shannon (Angie) Monroe; nine step grandchildren: Cheyanne Farley, Monte Farley, Jr., Casey (Brady) Brudvik, Danielle Stevens, Autumn Stevens, Shane Larson, Nicholas Larson, Meghan Monroe and Justin Monroe; six step great-grandchildren: Pacey Farley, Adyson Stevens, Stella Farley, Baileigh Stevens, Camdyn Huda, and Remington Rousu; and a daughter, Kim Hillesland. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Frank Snobl and nephew, Dave Snobl. Blessed be the memory of Jon Hillesland A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Friday, May 15 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning in at 6:30 p.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Jon "Bob" Hillesland

January 31, 1937 - May 11, 2015