George C. Hilstad, 88, died Thursday, May 5, 2005, after a short illness in MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, with the caring support of Hospice of the Red River Valley and the MeritCare staff.

George Hilstad was born in Mayville, ND on June 8, 1916 to George N. and Mary (Dunlevy) Hilstad. In 1939 he graduated from NDAC (now NDSU) with a degree in electrical engineering, and worked briefly as a draftsman for the General Electric Company in New York. But life in a cubicle was not for George and he returned to North Dakota to marry his college sweetheart, Margaret Thorsrud, on June 3, 1939, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, ND.

They enjoyed a long and adventurous life together raising their three sons and pursuing business, farming, and community interests in the Mayville area, in addition to extensive world travels that included ocean crossings on both the Queen Mary and the QE II. In retirement they continued to be active and spent 30 years building houses and friendships in the Manzanillo, Mexico area. Their life together came to an end in April 2005 when Margaret passed away.

In 1939 George started Traill County Electric and was instrumental in wiring many farms, communities, and businesses as the R.E.A. expanded in the area. With other partners in the Valley City area he formed Electrical Builders Incorporated and had a long career building substations, power houses, and transmission facilities throughout the upper Midwest. He served on the State Electrical Board for several years, and also on the National Electric Code panel where he helped formulate standards for electrical safety.

George was also an active light plane pilot for several years and had a long interest in amateur radio, and enjoyed keeping in touch with other "ham" operators throughout the world. He cared for his family, his community, and his church, and will be remembered as one of the pioneers of the electrification of the region.

He is survived by sons, Paul (Rebecca) New York City, Steve (Linda), Rural Mayville; granddaughter, Margaret Hilstad, New York City; grandson, Eric Hilstad, Houston, TX; and Marion Brasel, Blanchard, ND and her family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; son, George Lewis; sister, Merilla; and brother-in-law, Frank Brasel.

The family suggests that any memorials be directed to the Mayville Lutheran Church, the Luther Memorial Home or a charity of your own choosing.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 10:30 AM at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND.

Visitation: Monday, May 9, 2005 from 5-7 PM at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel, Mayville, ND.

Interment: Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, ND.