Watch Norman's Funeral

Norman Odell Hillstad, age 87, of Gary, MN, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at his home.

Norman, the son of Alfred and Christine (Haugen) Hillstad, was born on June 18, 1937, in Waukon Township, MN. He grew up on the family farm with his siblings, Orpha and Kenneth. Norman attended a small country school and worked on the farm throughout his life. On August 28, 1987, Norman was united in marriage to Lorrie Schabacker in Bejou, MN. They made their home on the family farm, and were blessed with two sons, John and Andrew. Norman was truly a farmer and spent his life raising grains and beef cattle. Working his own farm ground he never needed a computer to tell him if he was in a straight line or if the ditch would drain the right way, he was spot on. He also hauled livestock for area Sale Barns for many years. After selling the cows, Norman raised feeder cattle. For about a year, he also worked, with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, for Gagnon Inc. Norman enjoyed going to Rollag, especially to the thrashing B and being around all the old equipment. He loved watching the teams of horses work and riding the wagons around the lake. Norman had horses himself, an appaloosa mare he called Jinx, a sorrel gelding he called Dino, along with his draft horses.  Even into his later years, he always stayed busy.

Norman loved everything farming, tractors, the livestock, and harvest time. He worked for Ole and Jay Gunderson and later Paul Knowles, driving tractor. Norman enjoyed going to auction sales and Bull Sales with Wayne Becker. Norman spent hours tinkering in his shed, cleaning up around the farm, and could fix or help fix just about anything. It was well known that Norman enjoyed his coffee time and was a regular patron at the Gary Cenex and Red Apple Cafe. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and sharing stories with those he loved. Norman was a member of Ness Lutheran church, rural Gary.

Norman is survived by his loving wife, Lorrie of Gary; sons: John (Tanika) Hillstad, and Andrew (Abby) Hillstad all of Winger, MN; three Grandchildren: Macelynn, Jaelyn and Kotah; his sister, Orpha Aanenson of Gary; his in-laws: Walter Jr. "Shorty" and Bernice "Chick" Schabacker of Bejou; sisters in-law: Linda Hillstad of Bejou, Tammie Johnson of Lengby, and Hollie (Rio Wishard) Schabacker of Trail; one brother in-law, Kellie Schabacker of Bejou; and his nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Kenneth Hillstad; brothers-in-law, Lester Aanenson and Duane (Notch) Johnson; and one nephew, Wayne Aanenson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary.