Gordon Hillestad, age 89, of Volga, died Thursday, November 27, 2014, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Volga, with interment in the Oslo Lutheran Cemetery. Visitations will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Volga. Eidsness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gordon Wallace Hillestad was born February 20, 1925, at the Volga Hospital in Volga, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Oslo Lutheran Church, near the farm where he was raised. He attended country school and graduated from Volga High School in 1943. He was active in sports in high school, and was known as "Abe" to his classmates. On December 28, 1951, he married Marilyn Friedrich at her parents' home near Aurora. The couple farmed south of Volga. They moved to Brookings in March 2013. Marilyn died August 19, 2013. Gordon and Marilyn worshipped at Oslo Lutheran Church until becoming members at First Lutheran Church in Volga, where they were involved in the couple's Bible study. Gordon served on various boards and committees of the church. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway. Gordon enjoyed hunting and trapping, but most of all he loved to fish. He fished from the boat, from the shore, or on the ice every chance he had. He also enjoyed watching the grandkids participate in sports and other school activities. Gordon was a part of the Volga community all his life, and will be remembered for his sense of humor and broad smile. Survivors include his five children: Roger (Tina) Hillestad of Port Byron, Illinois, Ron (Barb) Hillestad of Volga, Ruth (Charles) Sapp of Volga, Renae (Steve) Langland of Bruce, and Rick (Kendra) Hillestad of Volga; 13 grandchildren: Chad Hillestad, Heidi (Matt) Erickson, Rhonda (Chad) Wosje, Robin Hillestad, John (Rochelle) Sapp, Jeff (Sarah) Sapp, Laura (Casey) Minor, Larissa (Ben) Miller, Jessica (Bryan) Pecoraro, Jennifer (Pete) DeAnna, Austin Hillestad, Clint Hillestad, and Haley Hillestad; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Agnes Friedrich of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Pat Friedrich of Aurora; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant sister, parents, and wife.