Donavan Lee Hilsabeck

Donavan Lee Hilsabeck, 80, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on March 7, 2026. Born on September 10, 1945, in Carroll, Iowa, to Donald Jack Hilsabeck and Darlene Phyllis Jensen, he moved with his mother and siblings to Las Vegas, where he graduated from Rancho High School.

A man of deep faith, Donavan joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age twenty-five after seeking out the missionaries and being baptized. While working as a trader on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, he met his beloved wife, Cristina Szinavel, at a young singles activity. They were married in the Provo, Utah Temple on September 9, 1978.

The couple’s first four children—Rachael, Leah, Christopher, and Michael—were born in Chicago. In 1988, Donavan moved his family back to Las Vegas, where Daniel and Emma later joined them. He worked for thirty-seven years as a financial advisor for several banks that eventually merged into Wells Fargo, retiring with a long and respected career.

Donavan cherished his wife, Cristina, their six children, and twenty-seven grandchildren. He rarely missed their games, performances, and special events. He loved genealogy, serving in the temple, good food, and watching sports—especially IndyCar racing. Known for his larger-than-life voice, warm smile, and friendly personality, he found his greatest joy in gathering his family together. He is survived by his wife, Cristina Hilsabeck; his children, Rachael (Shane) Hickman, Leah (Ricky) Lueck, Christopher (Shayla) Hilsabeck, Michael (Molly) Hilsabeck, Daniel (Sarah) Hilsabeck, and Emma (Jamison) Abbott; his twenty-seven grandchildren; and his sister, Phyllis (Anthony) Rufo. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jerry and Larry Hilsabeck.