Carol Elaine Hillestad

Carol Elaine Hillestad left us on July 1, 2026. Carol was born to Vivian (Peterson) and Vern Hillestad both deceased, on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953. The joke was the Easter bunny brought her. She was youngest of four children, Dean (Vickie) deceased; Kathe (Bob) Crowe, and Lee (Marianne). Carol also enjoyed her two nephews, Brian Kohler and Leif Hillestad.

She always said she wouldn’t change her last name Hillestad because she always wanted to honor her Norwegian heritage. Some people, including herself, considered Carol a “Crazy Norwegian.” In fact, during a job interview when requested, “Tell me about yourself,” after a pause, she replied, “Well I’m Norwegian.” Carol thought that summed up her life in spite of all her accomplishments.

Carol was graduated from Lodi High School (1971), University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (Cum Laude) (1976) and University of California, Master of Arts in Architecture and Urban Planning (1980). She also attended International Summer School (Oslo, Norway) and studied abroad at the University of Oslo (1974-75).

Carol’s career took her to many cities – Green Bay, Santa Monica, Minneapolis, Seattle and San Diego. She always enjoyed research – public policy research at the Rand Corporation, urban infrastructure research, economic and real estate research. She was director of research for many organizations.

Carol loved to travel. She traveled much of Europe and, of course, Norway. She visited Norway and her many Norwegian friends at least 15 times. Carol also enjoyed art, especially rosemaling. She dabbled a bit in various art forms creating many many beautiful pieces that she loved sharing.

Carol requested there be no memorial services but left this message for friends: “Celebrate with a shot of Norwegian Linie aquavit!! Skål! ”

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.