Vivian M. Hillestad
January 26, 1920 - August 07, 2016
Obituary
LODI-Vivian Marie (Peterson) Hillestad passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 7, 2016 at The Ridges, Lodi, Wisconsin. Vivian was born in Barneveld, Wisconsin on January 26, 1920, the daughter of Mildred (Strang) and Andrew Peterson. She graduated from Barneveld High School and remained a fan of its basketball team throughout her life. Vivian was also a proud alumni of Platteville State Teachers College and University of Wisconsin. She came to Lodi in 1941. Vivian taught first grade in the Lodi Schools for 29 years. She was proud of her students and often referred to them as "her boys" and "her girls". Vivian was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lodi. She served the church as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Elder. Vivian had many hobbies which included reading, music, genealogy, crossword puzzles, crocheting, and watching sports on television. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Vern; parents; sister, Lucinda (Kenneth) Nelson; brothers-in-law, Earl (Dorothy), Lester, Chet (June), Victor (Elsie), Robert (Dorothy), Lawrence, Jr. (Delores), George (Delight), and Don (Lucy) and several nieces and nephews. She was survived by her children, Dean (Vickie), Kathryn (Robert) Crowe, Lee (Marianne Markgraf) and Carol; grandsons, Brian (Sara) Koehler and Leif Hillestad; great grandchildren, Ella, Ryan and Megan Koehler; several nieces and nephews; step grandchildren, Tracy Flanagan, Tricia (Jeff Peil) Teeter and Travis Teeter; step great grandson, Kellen Peil and three special nieces, Jean Mulcahy, Pat Hillestad and Lynda Bartholomew. Funeral Services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 258 Lodi St., Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016 with Reverend Cyndi Wunder presiding. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main Street, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2016 and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, First Presbyterian Church Lodi or Lodi Women's Club Public Library. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Ridges and the Heartland Hospice personnel for their loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main Street
(608)592-3201
Events
Visitation
Fri Aug 12, 2016 @ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Lodi • 157 South Main Street, P.O. Box 17, Lodi, WI 53555
Visitation
Sat Aug 13, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
First Presbyterian Church (Lodi) • 258 Lodi St, Lodi, WI 53555
Service
Sat Aug 13, 2016 @ 11:00 AM CDT
First Presbyterian Church (Lodi) • 258 Lodi St, Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
Memories
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Norman Hillestad
Other •
I showed up unannounced on her porch one day; for few seconds she thought I was Dean. Reminds me of the pranks Vern and Vic used to play. She could tell me everything about Lodi or the Hillestad clan. That knowledge is lost now. I could listen to her quiet voice for hours and her infectious laugh.
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Hollie Haupt
Other •
I am sorry for your loss. No matter how old we get we still want our Mom's here. You all were so lucky to have her for so many years. Hollie Haupt
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fivebreunigs@frontier.com
Other •
“To teach is to touch lives forever.” I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with my 1st Grade teacher while visiting at the Ridges. I’ll never forget the beautiful big smile that came across Vivian’s face when I asked if she was Mrs. Hillestad who had taught 1st grade for the Lodi School District. She invited me back to her room where we continued our conversation about the good ol’days. I was utterly amazed of her knowledge of not only the Hillestad family but also the Lodi community. She was as sharp as a tack! I had the opportunity to visit a few other times and I would always laugh when she asked what I knew what was going on in town…..I found out more from Vivian about what was going on in Lodi then she did from me! I will miss hearing her soft spoken voice. When she talked about her family you could truly tell she had a great amount of love for them all. Forever Remembered.
Delaine Millard Breunig
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Rose M. Link
Other •
Vivian will be remembered for her gentle, loving personality. As a member of Country Women Extension Club we share delightful memories of Vivian's vitality, joy of living; a legacy, an inspiration to emulate
Rose M. Link
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Rachel Strang. (Mrs Milton Dale Strang)
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My sympathy to Vivian's family & also on behalf of my late husband Milton Dale Strang.
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deb
Other •
Deepest sympathies to all...such a kind person.