Ann Hillesland, 96, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully on June 10th with family by her side.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM, Friday, August 8, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E Highland Acres Rd, Bismarck.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be held at 3:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Anne was born in Sharon, North Dakota on January 30th, 1929. She grew up on a farm outside of Sharon until she graduated. She attended Mary College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
She married the love of her life, Orville Manley Hillesland on January 27, 1951. On August 29th, 1951, they welcomed their only child, Steven. They moved to Bismarck in 1952. Ann worked for Bismarck public schools at Roosevelt Elementary for 29 years. She taught second grade for all those years. Ann was a devoted teacher and cared for all her students.
Ann was a wonderful, caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and she was devoted to her family. She showed up through the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, school with the kids, and was an amazing baker. She led a full and happy life.
Ann is survived by her granddaughter, Sarah (Blaine) Zainhofsky (Bismarck); grandson, Eric (Alicia) Hillesland (Park Rapids); five great-grandchildren, Trenton Zainhofsky, Aurora Zainhofsky (Fiancé, Jonathan Nistler), Brooklynn Hillesland, Gretchen Hillesland and Isaac Hillesland; brother, Albert Clifford (Dotti) Ness (Mayville, ND); sister-in-law, Alice Mae Hjelmstad (Bloomington, MN); and many nieces and nephews.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; son, Steven; parents, Albert and Mabel Ness; and sister, Jean Hemphill.
We want to thank Edgewood Village Memory Care Unit director and staff as well as Caring Bridge Hospice for the care, friendship and love you gave Ann.
Cards, memories, and memorials can be sent to Sarah Zainhofsky at 1213 Meredith Dr, Bismarck, ND, 58501.
Friday, August 8, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Friday, August 8, 2025
Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Friday, August 8, 2025
Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
Visits: 50
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors