Alex J. Hilsendeger, Jr.

On Jan. 24, 2016, at the age of 82, Alex went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was born on July 10, 1933, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Alex and Helen Hilsendeger. He spent his childhood in Aberdeen, went on to college, got his master's degree, spent a brief time in the Navy, and then joined the Army. He married Mary Ellen Cors and, together, they had five children. He began his teaching career in Watertown, S.D., moved on to Flandreau, S.D., and then to Lima, Mont. He then moved his family to Columbus, where he served as Superintendent of Schools until he retired.

In 1987, he met the love of his life, Patti. They were married in Hawaii on Feb. 14, 1989. They have resided in Billings for the past 27 years, where they made many wonderful memories with family and friends. Alex kept himself busy after retirement, selling used textbooks on Amazon.

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Patti; his five children, Bill (Ange) Hilsendeger, Jean (Barry) Thomas, Barb (Tom) Marker, Sandy (Doug) Jamison, Dan (Dawn) Hilsendeger; Patti's children, Mike Hayter and Laura Scheetz; 12 grandchildren, Chris, Megan, Tyler, Baker, Dylan, Andrew, Hannah, Skyler, Tanner, Troy, Tyler and Julia; and four great-grandchildren, Chloe, Seth, Bella and Elle; his sister, Lydia Fogle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alex, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, we love you and miss you. Rest in peace!

Vigil services and rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Colton and Woody Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the charity of your choice.