Mark W. Hillestad, 57, passed away of a heart attack on Saturday,
October 29, 2011 at Virginia International Raceway while racing with the Automatic Racing BMW team in a Grand Am 12 hour endurance race.

Mark graduated from Kent State in 1976 with a BA in political science. He was accepted to law school but chose to work with his father Tollief instead. Mark was passionate in all that he did, beginning with his love for his family and dedication to friends. Mark was an avid reader focusing on history and politics. His endless sense of humor often reflected his beliefs on all topics.

He was the president of H and S Tool Company in Wadsworth, Ohio. H and S Tool Company was started by his father, the late Tollief O. Hillestad in 1975. Under Mark and Tollief’s leadership, H and S Tool Company grew from a garage behind Tollief’s house to an international corporation with customers on all continents.

Mark was a devoted father, son and husband and a friend to anyone he met. He generously supported many local charities in Wadsworth. He served as a board member for Akron General Medical Center. As an example of his loyalty he was the longest standing Cleveland Cavalier season ticket holder. Mark’s interests were many, including attending and participating in sporting events with his daughter, Julianna. Other interests were open and closed wheel auto racing, in which his team won the Motorola Cup in 1999. Mark participated in the 24 hours of Daytona many times as well as the Twelve Hours of Sebring Endurance Race. Mark loved his time behind the wheel and was a loyal teammate and a true professional to the sport.

Proceeded in death by his father Tollief Hillestad and his Uncle Paul Suster. Mark is survived by his loving mother Wanita, Hillestad, Aunt Violette Suster , loving wife and daughter, Teri and Julianna , as well as many other family members in the United States and Norway.

The family invites guests to attend the visitation for Mark on Thursday, November 3rd from 4-8PM at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Friday, November 4th at 11AM with Pastor Robert Tauscher officiating.

Donations may be made to Akron General Foundation Oncology Center, 400 Wabash Ave., Akron OH, 44307.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
www.HilliardRospert.com