Age 89, Passed away on April 12, 2024
Larry was born and raised in Big Falls, MN and made his home in Mendota Heights, MN. He was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Regina (Wilkowski) Hillstead and two infant brothers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy (Sifferle); children Tom (Danielle), Laura (Don) Smith, Rita (Brian) Thoemke, and Brian (Beth Lovro). He is adored by his grandchildren, Ashley and Evan (Eryn Miles) Smith, Cassie (Cody) Meyers, Jordan Hillstead (Matthew Bauer), Catie Thoemke (Hiram Diez), Clara and Leah Thoemke.
Larry graduated from the University of Minnesota and then served in the US Army. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe while based in Heidelberg, Germany. Larry married Judy in 1966 and raised their four children in Mendota Heights. He always made time to coach the kids in their many sports. The annual August road trip in the family station wagon is fondly remembered as he showed his family all the national parks and historic sites. Larry retired from a career with the federal government at age 55 to make room for his life’s passions of golf, travel, genealogy research, and strawberry picking. Larry shined most brightly in his role of Grandpa. He was the greatest supporter of his grandchildren, never missing a game, match, concert, dance recital, or theater production. He was a fan of all Minnesota sports teams, but took an odd pleasure in their many notorious struggles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on May 1 at 11:00 at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Hwy 13, Mendota, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to Saint Peter’s Historic Church or the Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul.