Alton Hillesland
Funeral services are Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, Mont., with Pastor Barb Haugerud officiating. A luncheon will follow the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Sidney, Mont., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pella Lutheran Church with a celebration of life service to follow, open to the public. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons. com. Alton Vernald Hillesland passed from this life on Feb. 10, 2024, at his home in Sidney, Mont., surrounded by family.
He was born on July 2, 1928, to Ted and Lottie Hillesland in Calmar, Iowa, and grew up on the family farm with three brothers: Dalos, Glenn and Harvey. He married Harriet Ohnstad and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. He later married long-time family friend Ruthann Knutson.
His 95 years were filled with the love of learning and his unwavering, steadfast faith in God. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He served as pastor in Spring Grove, Minn.; Willow City, N.D.; country churches around Parshall, N.D.; Mondovi, Wis.; Culbertson and Bainville, Mont.; Sidney, Mont.; and Watford City, N.D.
Upon retirement as pastor, he was asked to be the building inspector for the city of Sidney and Richland County and served in that role until age 89. His desire to help others and love of medicine led him to become a certified
