Barbara Hillestad

Barbara Jean Hillestad, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, with family by her side, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Barb was 79.

Daughter of Henry and Bernice (Thoreson) Quam, Barbara was born on February 22, 1944 in Volga, South Dakota. She graduated from Sinai High School in 1962.  Barbara was a loving and devoted woman who was always willing to listen and lend a helping hand.

On March 29, 1962, Barbara was united in marriage to James Hillestad in Sinai, South Dakota. The couple resided in Sioux City, Iowa until moving to Sioux Falls in 1967. They became loving parents to their 5 children, Jeff, Mick, Jodi, Dean and Alan.

Barbara was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and spending time in her garden. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her morning cup of coffee. Above all, she shared a special bond with her siblings and cherished the time spent with her family.

Grateful for having shared her life are her cherished children, Jeff (Linda) Hillestad of Sioux Falls, Mick Hillestad of Tea, SD, Jodi (Jim) Sands of Redwood Falls, MN, Dean Hillestad of Sioux Falls, and Alan (Jen) Hillestad of Redwood Falls, MN; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Delores Shefte of Dell Rapids, SD; and brother, Charles (Barb) Quam, Sioux Falls.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Bernice Quam; great-grandchild, Kotah Hillestad; brothers, Alton and LeVerne Quam; and beloved husband, James Harold Hillestad.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church, 5509 W 41^st Street, Sioux Falls SD. A visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 W 41^st Street, Sioux Falls SD. Arrangements are with Miller Funeral Home of Sioux Falls and Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com

Blessed be her memory.