Longtime sheriff Hildebrandt dies

A longtime public safety warrior in Steele County will always be remembered as a sheriff with one of the most infectious laughs.  
William “Bill” Hildebrandt of Claremont died July 5 at the age of 78. He served an unprecedented number of years as Steele County’s sheriff from 1982 to his retirement in 2002.
“He was always very friendly and had a laugh that nobody could forget,” said Lon Thiele, current sheriff. Thiele did not work under Hildebrandt’s administration, but dealt with him in his later years as he served with the Steele County Mounted Posse. “He was outgoing and helped whatever way he could.”
Retired Steele County Attorney Doug Ruth said he will always remember Hildebrandt as being a top-notch sheriff. Ruth worked with him during the entire duration of his tenure as sheriff. 
“He was easy going, had a hearty laugh and always positive,” Ruth said. “He always seemed to be on top of the game. He had a lot of common sense,” he added.
Asked how Hildebrandt handled major investigations, Ruth replied: “The same way he handled everything else—smoothly, with common sense and compassion. He worked well with our office.”
Ruth also credited Hildebrandt with keeping up on current issues going on with law enforcement. 
Hildebrandt had a love for horses and served on the posse during much of his retirement. Even after his health deteriorated in recent years, he remained on as an honorary posse member. 
Hildebrandt grew up on a farm in the Nerstrand area and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1956. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and retired from the reserves in 1976. 
In 1970, Hildebrandt began his career in law enforcement as a special deputy. He became a deputy with the Steele County Sheriff’s Office in 1975. He began his 20-year reign as the county’s top law enforcement officer in 1982.
During his years as sheriff, Hildebrandt served as president of the Minnesota Sheriff Association. 
Community service was a big part of Hildebrandt’s life. Some of the community groups he was involved in included the Sheriff Youth Ranch, North American Fishing Club, Owatonna Diving Club, scuba instructor with the YMCA, Minnesota Association of Foster Care and firearm safety instructor. He also was involved at Associated Church in Owatonna and enjoyed Canadian canoe trips with the church youth group. 
He is survived by three daughters, including Theresa Hildebrandt of Green Forest, Arkansas; Melisa Vick and Tiffany Conner, both of Owatonna. His wife, Carole, and son, Gary, preceded him into death. 
A funeral service was held Sunday in Owatonna with full military honors by the Steele County Funeral Team.