Norman Hildebrandt

Norman Hildebrandt, age 80 years, passed away accidentally on Saturday, August 24, 2024 in the RM of Rhineland. He was born on December 29th, 1943, and was raised, and lived most of his life in Halbstadt, Manitoba.

He is survived by his sisters Mary Heppner, Hilda Kehler, Elsie (Curtis) Loewen, and Lynn (Ron) Barkman, sisters-in-law Tina Friesen, and Lena Hildebrand and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Maria Hildebrandt, and his brothers Henry, Herman, Deidrich and Jake.

He started working at the early age of 16 for Doerksen Trucking. He also worked on the home farm with cattle until the day of his passing. In his later years, he moved to Altona, but it was never really home to him. This is why he referred to his apartment as 'the hotel.' Norm was stubborn and sarcastic, but when you saw through that, he was kind, loving, and would do anything for the people he cared about.

He was a huge hockey fan and took great pleasure in complaining about the Winnipeg Jets. He also really enjoyed live baseball games, and traveled all over to watch the Jays play.

Norm's true passion was cattle. He had a soft spot for the tame ones, but he treated them all like his children. They came running to the sound of his voice and followed him all over the farm. His final days were spent doing all the things he loved, caring for his cattle, hauling steel, and spending time with his beloved dog Wooly/Willy. 

His loss will be felt by many. 

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the Altona Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with burial at the Blumenthal Cemetery.