Norman B. Hildestad, 77, of Albert Lea, formerly of Austin, died Monday evening at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Norman was born Jan. 4, 1930, in Lanesboro, the son of Martin L. and Esther M. (Rundquist) Hildestad. He graduated from the Lanesboro High School in the class of 1948. Norman was married to Lorraine S. Jacobson on Jan. 10, 1952, at Austin. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He was employed as a conductor and brakeman with the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement in 1986.

Norman was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin and a collector of railroad memorabilia, including lanterns and timetables. He also enjoyed following baseball and football.

Norman was preceded in death by two infant children, four brothers and one sister.

He is survived by: his wife, Lorraine Hildestad of Albert Lea; sons and daughters-in-law; Dwayne and LaKara Hildestad, Calhan, Colo.; David and Sandra Hildestad, Davenport, Iowa; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Ken Lewison, Austin; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Kyro, Richfield; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and at the church one hour before the service.