Ilene Amy (Cleaveland) Sistad, age 83 of Fosston, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11th, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Peter Lurvey officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, February 10th, at Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church.

Ilene was born on November 29, 1942, in Golden Valley Township, Minnesota, to Earl and Agnes Cleaveland. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Skime, MN. She graduated from Roseau High School in 1960. On July 29, 1961, Ilene married the love of her life, Dennis.

Ilene was the very best daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend and mother. She and Dennis raised four children of their own and had a hand in raising many more. Ilene held down the fort while Dennis worked as an ironworker. She delivered calves, fed livestock, ran the farm equipment, and even performed C sections on ewes. She worked as a beautician, spent thousands of hours in the garden, and served her church family faithfully. Ilene’s home and heart were open to all. Ilene and Dennis moved to Cornerstone Assisted Living in Fosston in May 2025 and quickly became a favorite part of the Cornerstone family.

Ilene was with Dennis when he took his leave of this earth on January 1, 2026. She is now reunited with her husband, their son Brad, and their infant daughter.

Ilene is survived by, son Paul (Dawn) Sistad, daughters Teresa (Kim) Hash, Brenda (Jay) Gerner, and daughter-in-law Mary Sistad; grandchildren, Seth (fiancée Kylie Theisen) Sistad, Ryan Sistad, Maddy (Logan) Hendrickson, Grace (Chad) Holstein, Amanda Hash, Adam and David Gerner. Ilene was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Max, Owen, Ivy, Ilsa, and Sloane. She is also survived by her foster sister Hilda Wiskow and many nieces and nephews.

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, infant daughter, son Brad, parents Earl and Agnes, in-laws Marvin and Alice, sisters Clarice, Margaret, and Elaine and special niece, Pam Peterson.