Donald Hilsendager

Don’s service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 16, 2024

Born on November 13, 1934 in rural Watauga, South Dakota, Donald Roy Joseph Hilsendager was the son of Louis and Margaret (Simon) Hilsendager, the eldest of 8 children. He went to be with his Lord on February 28, 2024. Life was difficult during his childhood and youth. When he was 15 his father moved to Oregon for employment, taking Don’s siblings with him; Don remained behind to help care for his ill mother. Without financial or family resources, Don dropped out of school, lived with the grandmother of a school chum and hunted rabbits to pay his expenses, along with working on a neighbor’s farm. Eventually a high school teacher sought him out to play basketball (a very small team), thus drawing Don back into his beloved world of education. He continued to hunt rabbits for income. Working hard, he graduated with his own class.

Don graduated from Northern State College, Aberdeen, SD in 1958; then earned his Masters degree from South Dakota State Univ in Brookings in 1960. Leaving SD to pursue more education, Don moved with his young family to Springfield, Mass, where he attended Springfield College on a full academic/research scholarship.

Upon earning his doctorate in 1963 Don accepted a position at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. His son was born in 1965, joining his 2 sisters. Don’s journey in higher education evolved from being an Assistant Professor of Physical Education to eventually becoming one of Temple’s 16 Deans, serving for over 17 years as Dean of the College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He devoted his professional life to advocating for university requirements within these disciplines, both as academic professions and as lifelong experiences. He led the university’s early Computer Agenda and was a strong promoter of Temple’s pluralistic mission. Don’s administrative philosophy is best described as “open door” to all students, staff, faculty. His humble nature, keen intellect and advocacy for diversity and equality resulted in his being a valued, trusted and beloved administrator, colleague, mentor and friend.

A prolific grant recipient and respected scholar, Don served as President of the national organization CUAC. He was honored many times by his profession and community, receiving local, district and national awards for service, research and administrative leadership in higher education. As many tributes have expressed, Don’s touch on so many throughout the years resulted in positive change within their personal and professional lives.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Sarah (Alberti) Hilsendager; their love story began 47 years ago and continues to this day. He is also survived by daughters Theresa Strong and Cole Bengston (Keith), granddaughters Olivia Hilsendager, Maureen Cochran (Kevin), Tracy Frank (Tristin), and grandson Steven (Gina) Fercho. Great-grandchildren include Chaz & Amina Fercho, Caitlin & Breckin Frank, and Weston, Shane, & Owen Cochran. Don is survived by brothers Leo & Tony, sister Maryann, brother-in-law Homer Alberti and dearest friends Donna Davenport, Marty Nayowith, & Tracie Lanham. Don was predeceased by son Fred, sisters Diane & Joan and brother James.

A man of deep and abiding faith, strong values and integrity, and the courage to actively demonstrate his principles, Don will be remembered for his kindness, authenticity, straightforwardness, generosity of spirit and action, his devotion to Temple University and his love of skiing. His steadfast love of and commitment to his family and friends knew no bounds.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to American Cancer Research, the ALS Foundation or the Donald R. Hilsendager Endowed Scholarship at Temple University.