William Bill A. Hildebrandt , 78, of Claremont, died Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. He was born April 1, 1938 in Faribault, Minnesota the son of Jerome & Clara (Gunderson) Hildebrandt. He grew up on a farm in the Nerstrand area and graduated from Kenyon High School, Class of 1956. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 5, 1956, and retired from the Reserves on July 16, 1976. Bill was united in marriage to Carole Staska on February 6, 1960, and the couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised their children. Bill began his career in law enforcement in 1970 as a special deputy and in 1975 he became a deputy with the Steele County Sheriff's Department. Then in 1978, he became the Deputy Sheriff and in 1982 he became the Steele County Sheriff and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2002. Following his retirement he continued his involvement with the Steele County Mounted Posse. Bill was an active person all his life and was involved in and a member of many organizations including, the Sheriff Youth Ranch, North American Fishing Club, Owatonna Diving Club, Scuba Instructor at the YMCA, Minnesota Board of Peace Officers, Junior Police, Firearm Safety Instructor, DARE, School Patrol, McGruff Safe House, Minnesota Association of Foster Care and served as president of the Minnesota Sheriff Association. He also enjoyed Canadian canoe trips with the Associated Church Youth Group. If you knew Bill, you know he had a one-of-a-kind, infectious laugh. He also loved horses and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by daughters, Theresa Hildebrandt of Green Forest, AR, Melisa (John) Vick of Owatonna and Tiffany (Forrest) Conner of Owatonna; siblings, Arolyne (Leo) Hackett of Hastings, Jerome (Ferrolyne) Hildebrandt of Stewartville and Maryann (John) Radtke of Nerstrand; grandchildren, Megan (Chad) Newberry, Phillip (Katie) Hildebrandt, Justin (Alisha) Vick, Alexandra Hildebrandt, Sierra Vick, Atia Vick, Garrett Hildebrandt, Secily Conner and Braelyn Conner and great-granddaughter, LouElla Newberry. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carole Hildebrandt and son, Gary Hildebrandt. A Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, July 10, 2016, at Associated Church in Owatonna with Reverend Coqui Conkey officiating. Interment with military honors by the Steele County Funeral Team will be in Forrest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna and at church on Sunday one hour prior to the service. Visitation: 07/09/2016 16:00 07/09/2016 20:00 Service: 07/10/2016 13:00