Jill M. Hiestand
September 08, 1940 - November 02, 2016
Obituary
MADISON- Jill Mary Hiestand, 76, of Madison, Wis. died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 2, 2016 after a brief illness. Jill was born on Sept. 8, 1940 in Kenosha, Wis. to parents Alice (Tradewell) and Walter Van Harpen. She grew up with her four sisters and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. She moved to Madison and attended the University of Wisconsin where she met Fred Hiestand from New York. They married and moved to the Marquette Neighborhood on the near east side of Madison where Jill lived the remainder of her life. Jill and Fred had two sons, Trevor and Jason, before Jill and Fred divorced. Jill and her sons lived together on the shores of Lake Monona where they swam in the summer and played on the ice in the winter. Jill enjoyed the arts, local politics, and live music. She was also well known among her family and neighbors for her culinary and gardening skills. After retirement from her career with the State of Wisconsin she was able to enjoy traveling and completed trips to Asia and across the United States. Jill loved her sons unconditionally. Her love of jokes and adventure matured with age into her signature grace and wit. She taught her sons to work hard, laugh, and respect everyone. And we miss her. Jill is survived by her elder son, Trevor Hiestand, his wife BryAnn Chen, and Jill's beloved granddaughter Veronica Hiestand of Atlanta, Ga., and her youngest son, Jason Hiestand and his wife Megan Hiestand reside in Madison, Wis. Jill is survived by her sisters Susan Rosasco of Kenosha, Wis. and Joy (Danny) Moore of Rocky Mount, Missouri. Jill also had many nieces and nephews that she adored. Jill was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas at birth, her sister Jane Elizabeth Hastings, and her sister Kathleen Allegato. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to her memorial fund at Olbrich Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
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Memories
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Mary Ann Roberton
Other •
I lived across from Jill on Morrison Ct. in the late 70s. She was always a pleasant "sunny" neighbor. I remember when she fell from a ladder while putting up storm windows. It was a very bad accident but she handled it with great courage. My condolences to Trevor and Jason.
Mary Ann Roberton
KM
Kate Morand
Other •
Jill was my first friend when I moved to Madison in 1998. I was new to Madison and Jill shared so much of Madison with me. I will always love her and think of her. I am in shock to learn about her passing. She was a kind and giving person. We need more people like her in our world. Peace and blessings to your family and many happy memories.