Ardell Clifford Hildestad

-Ardell C. Hildestad, 76, of Rochester, MN. died on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Rochester Methodist Hospital after courageously fighting a battle with cancer. Ardell was born on April 21, 1937 in Lanesboro, MN. to Carl and Amelia (Christensen) Hildestad.He was in the U.S. Army from January 3, 1956 to November 28, 1958 being stationed in Alaska for 26 months.On April 18, 1959, he married Marie Kolbe at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester.Ardell was a bartender for many establishments in Rochester and also worked 22 years for Crenlo, retiring in 1999.He enjoyed yard work and the outdoors, casinos, visiting with family and friends, and always liked helping his neighbors. Ardell was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and also of the National Disabled American Veterans. Ardell is survived by his wife, Marie; son, Randy (Janice) Hildestad of Huntsville, AL.; son-in-law Craig Henden of Rochester, MN; four sisters, Verna Berge of Stewartville, MN., Deloris Ruzek of Lake City, MN., Lilah (Allen) Ellingson of Lanesboro, MN., and Janet Peterson of Rushford, MN.; one brother, Bennett (Betty) of Shoreview, MN.; seven grandchildren, Tony (Stephanie) Henden of Kasson, MN, Andy Henden of Rochester, MN., Miranda (Justin) Servantez of Mason City, IA., Colby Hildestad, Millie Hildestad, Sammy Hildestad and Halie (Bradley) Smith of Huntsville, AL.; twelve great-grandchildren, Dominic, Makenzie, and Jaxon Noble-Henden of Kasson, MN., Kayla, Tyler, Braedon, and Madison Henden of Rochester, Jakob and Jarrett Servantez of Mason City, IA, Logan Taylor and Grayson Smith of Huntsville, AL;many nieces, nephews and friends; and special friends Kathy Melloon and Carol Fischer. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Mary; two brothers, Tilman and Arlys; and sisters, Carlene and Muriel; and two infant twin sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home withRev. Anjannete Bandel officiating.A visitation will be two hoursprior to the service from noon until 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Ranfranz and Vine.In accordance with Ardells wishes, his body has been donated to Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest program and interment will be in the Southeast Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at a later date. A special thank you to Dr. Preet Singh, Ardells Mayo Clinic Oncology doctor for his expertise and compassion and to the Mayo Clinic Hospice nurses and staff, especially Rachel, Amy, Julie, Jen and Jolita.