Mae Belle Hillestad, 87, of Owatonna, peacefully died Friday, June 9, 2017 at Traditions I in Owatonna, Minnesota. Mae Belle was born October 20, 1929 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Albert and Beatrice (Kuphal) Arndt. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1947. She married Merlin Hillestad on September 6, 1948 at The Associated Church in Owatonna. They resided in South Dakota, Michigan, and Worthington, Minnesota where she worked for Farm Credit Union. They returned to Owatonna and Mae Belle worked for Prange Way as a Bookkeeper. After their retirement, Mae Belle and Merlin made their home in Arizona. Merlin passed away March 2, 2004, and she returned to Owatonna. Mae Belle loved reading, painting, playing games on computer and board games. She enjoyed baking cookies especially at Christmas, and had a love for sweets. She is survived by her daughter, Shannon (and Harlan) Pierson of Apache Junction, AZ; son, Chris (and Jeri) Hillestad of Wayzata, MN; grandchildren, John (and Deb) Pierson, Joseph and Elle Hillestad; two great grandchildren; brother, Donald Arndt of Owatonna; sister-in-law, Audrey Arndt of Owatonna; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin; grandson, Jeff Pierson. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to Heartland Hospice, 821 3rd Avenue SE, Suite 15, Rochester, MN 55904. Visitation: 06/14/2017 10:00 06/14/2017 11:00 Service: 06/14/2017 11:00