Donald Leroy Hillestad

Donald Leroy Hillestad, 87, of Sun City West, AZ and long term resident of The Northwoods, passed away peacefully February 8, 2016.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He LOVED Football, which began when he played in high school and then became his passion watching it up until the night prior to his death. We believe he needed to see the Super Bowl before he left this world. He loved representing his business, watching Fox News, gardening, fishing, cruising on his tractor and spending time with his family.
Don was born into a large Wisconsin farming family. He was the youngest of nine boys born to Columbia County farmers Lawrence Hillestad and Tillie Feten. Don remained on his family farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served overseas in the Korean War. At the completion of his service, Don returned to Wisconsin and took a job as a distributor for Deans Milk. It was at this time, that he met his dear Lucy.
Lucy and Don were wed in Virginia City, NV. January 14, 1959 and began their life as a married couple in Kansas City, MO. With Lucy at his side, Don decided to make health and nutrition the focus of his life’s work. In the same year they were wed, Don founded Hillestad Pharmaceuticals – Manufacturers of Nutritional Products where he remained actively involved up until his passing.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy; his parents, Lawrence and Tillie; and eight brothers: Earl, Les, Chet, Victor, Vern, Lawrence Jr., Bob, and George.
Don is survived by his children, Dan Hillestad (Gwen), SueMarie Green (Lenny), Judy McCartney (Ron) and Linda Chase, as well as four grandchildren – Ryan, Kendra, Kyle and Kelly.
Visitation will be held at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff, WI on Saturday, February 13th from 2pm-3pm with a service at 3pm. The burial will take place at St. Barnabas Cemetery in Mazomanie,WI on Monday February 15th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Legion of Minocqua,WI.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com.
Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services of Woodruff is handling all arrangements.