Dennis Eldon Hillesland

Dennis Eldon Hillesland, age 90, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday August 6, 2025.

Dennis was born May 24, 1935, in Forest City, Iowa, the son of Edward and Joy (Olson) Hillesland. He attended and graduated from Garner High School in 1953 and was united in marriage to Norma Elaine Bartleson on November 29, 1955, at the Forest City Immanuel Lutheran Church. Dennis worked for the Forest City Greenhouse for several years until relocating to Spring Valley, Minn., and reopening the Spring Valley Greenhouse in 1967.  Dennis served on the Spring Valley Fire Department and was a substitute bus driver for over 50 years. He enjoyed his work and loved flying as a pilot and farming. He especially liked John Deere tractors. He loved his family and serving his community. Dennis will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma Bilyeu and brother-in-law Roy Bilyeu, and sister Lola Bruns. 

He is survived by his wife Norma Elaine Hillesland, daughter Laura (Kerry Jones) Phillips, son Michael (Shelly) Thoreson, daughter Ann (Philip) Taylor, grandson Andrew Merkel, siblings Alice (Dave) Christianson of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Jon and Marcia Hillesland of Leland, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held.

Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.