Steven R. Hillesland, age 60, of Fargo, ND, peacefully passed away from complications after surgery on June 24, 2012.

Steve Hillesland was born to Manley and Ann (Ness) Hillesland on August 29, 1951 in Moorhead, MN. He grew up in Bismarck, ND and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1969. He studied music at Lawrence University then graduated from NDSU with a B.S. in Economics. He did some post graduate work at Virginia Tech.

His love for music began at a young age as he started playing the piano in third grade, violin in fourth grade, and the cello in seventh grade. He played cello in the Bismarck/Mandan Symphony Orchestra for many years. He also played the piano, organ, and cello for different churches and social events in Bismarck and Fargo.

He was united in marriage to Karen Seidler on January 2, 1975 in Bismarck, ND. During their marriage, they had two children, Sarah and Eric.

He is survived by his parents: Manley and Ann Hillesland Bismarck, ND, daughter Sarah (Blaine) Zainhofsky Bismarck, ND, son Eric (Alicia) Hillesland Park Rapids, MN, grandchildren Trenton and Aurora Zainhofsky, and Brooklynn Hillesland, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral: Saturday, June 30, 2012, 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Visitation: Friday, June 29, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.

Burial: Westfield Cemetery, Sharon, ND.