Barry Hillestad

Barry Hillestad, 67, of Waubay, passed away peacefully at his home in Waubay, on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 2, at the Webster Armory in Webster. Burial will be at Lake Campbell Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Webster Armory.
Barry was born May 7, 1958, in Brookings, SD, to Clark and Alvina Dolly (Hammond) Hillestad. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1976 and graduated Mitchell Tech in 1978 in Agricultural Marketing and Management. He married Rita Anna in 1982 who passed away in 1985. Barry then married Norma Jean Fagin in 1988.
Barry proudly served in law enforcement for 24 years. During his time in law enforcement he served as sheriff of Day County for three terms, and was appointed interim Sheriff of Roberts County, serving for two years. Barry retired in 2021. Two of the accomplishments that he was most proud of, were helping to form the Memorial Assistance Response Team (M.A.R.T), andserving as President of the South Dakota Sheriffs Association in 2016.
Barry enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, hunting with his son Jon and close friends from Michigan, and working on projects with his close friend and neighbor Bob Wight.
Barry is survived by his sister Dorothy Merchant. His children Jennifer (Eddie) Allison-Myers, Jonathan (Danica) Hillestad, and Skye (Carver) Strandberg. His grandchildren, Micah Allison, Lily Myers, Anaka Myers, Joseph Hillestad, and Vera Strandberg. His nephew Dan (Amy) Merchant, his niece Tracy Bezesky, his former wife Norma Jean Fagin, and his close friend Dawn Kim Van Hoepen. As well as great-nieces and -nephews, friends, and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clark and Alvina Dolly Hillestad. His sister Wanda Hillestad. His first wife, Rita (Anna)Hillestad. His brother in law Dennis Merchant, his nephew-in-law Dave Bezesky. As well as numerous Law Enforcement brothers and sisters, family, and friends.