Lavern E Hillesland
October 22, 1926 - October 29, 2020
Obituary
DECORAH, Iowa - Lavern Elvin Hillesland was born Friday, Oct. 22, 1926, in Calmar, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Calmar Lutheran Church. Vern joined the United States Armed Forces during World War II, serving stateside as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His military service, including reserves, spanned 21 years.
Vern studied mathematics and education at Luther College, graduating in 1949. He was a lifelong supporter of his alma mater, serving as class agent and later receiving the Distinguished Service Award. He loved visiting Decorah with his children and grandchildren.
Vern moved to Stewartville, Minn. in 1949 to take his first teaching job. Shortly thereafter, he met his lifelong love, Jean, a fellow teacher, and the two of them made a home together in Stewartville for over 50 years. They were married in 1951 and spent several summers creating enduring memories in Boulder, Colo., while Vern earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration. They built a beautiful yellow house on 4th Avenue SW and raised two daughters, Wendy and Betsy.
Vern spent his career in teaching and administration for Stewartville schools, serving longest as Assistant Superintendent. He was intensely passionate about learning--especially math--and impacted thousands of students in his 36 years in Independent School District No. 534 (Stewartville). He retired in 1986 and enjoyed a life full of golfing with dear friends, volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church and with the Stewartville Lion’s Club, winning the Melvin Jones Award. He relished watching his three grandchildren grow. He loved to read, to do yard work, plan family vacations, and host the family for holidays.
Vern and Jean moved to Decorah, Iowa in 2007. They moved to Ingleside Communities in 2018 where he received fabulous care for the remainder of his life.
Vern died Thursday morning, Oct. 29, 2020, after a long decline with dementia. His wife and daughter were at his bedside hours before, reading scripture and singing beloved hymns. He was 94 years old.
Vern was a formidably intelligent man who passed the tenets of critical thinking and service to others on to his family and to his students. His quiet humor, handsome smile, delightful chuckle and dutiful generosity will be remembered and cherished.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Ella, and his oldest daughter, Wendy Coe. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean; his sister, Betty Nelson; his youngest daughter, Betsy (Jerry) Busch; his son-in-law, David Coe; his three grandchildren, Shannon (Jon) Plichta, Robbie (Amber) Coe, and Zach Busch; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Jean Plichta and Lyla Jean Coe. Two more great-granddaughters will join the family in November.
Due to the pandemic, a celebration of life will be held online on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at 1p.m. Find the livestream at www.facebook.com/betsy.h.busch. Memorials can be made to Freedom Honor Flight, P.O. Box 505, La Crosse, WI, 54602 or mailed to Betsy Busch, 207 Highland Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101. 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
GJ
Gail Johnson
Other •
I will never forget Mr. Hillesland--I can't imagine calling him anything else. He changed my life. He got me into a summer program at Luther that opened a whole new world for me. Without him, my education would have taken a very different path. He went far beyond the usual effort for his students. I remember how he worked to learn new material to teach a class beyond what was then the standard classes in math. He had a tough semester, but because of those efforts, my calculus professor thought I had taken calculus in high school. I hadn't, but I had the preparation Mr. Hillesland believed we needed. My sympathies go out to his family and all who valued his life.
MA
Marlene Aakre
Other •
Vern (Mr. Hillesland to me) was a very good math teacher. He made college math so much easier as his students were so well prepared. I also remember babysitting for Jean and Verns daughter Wendy when Vern would walk me home at the end of the evening. Jean was my 2nd grade teacher and also recreated a prom dress for me from a previous dress I wore. Such GREAT people in my life. I'm sure he will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to you, Jean, and your family. Sincerely, Marlene Aakre (Larson).
DC
Dave Copeland
Other •
Mr. Hillesland was my math teacher in HS and he had a great impact on my life. I particularly remember his technique of giving a test every Friday and then putting the tests on the desks - best score on desk 1 of front row, and next on 2nd desk and so on. This kept us on our toes. (I don't think I ever made it into the front row, but I studied and I I tried to be the first one done so I could win something). He was a teacher who knew his subject and found ways to make math interesting and to motivate almost all of his students. I took math in college and started a computer software company - I give significant credit to Mr Hillesland - thank you. Dave Copeland class of 62
RA
Rebecca Aadalen
Other •
Mr. Hillesland was an amazing man. He was an amazing leader and instructor in education. I have memories of him from attending Stewartville High School. Vern and Jean were also friends with my grandparents Wes and Tillie Foss. I have been in education for 29 years, and I'm so grateful to have been able to influenced by Vern. Prayers and thoughts for all family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Rebecca Aadalen (Foss)