Michael John Hillestad

Michael John Hillestad, age 55, died peacefully at his home in Rochester, MN on May 4th, 2020. He had been on hospice care battling cancer since November 2017. Michael was born to Richard and Virginia (Seas) Hillestad on June 5th, 1964. He grew up in Garretson, South Dakota and graduated from Garretson High School in 1984. After graduation he attended and graduated from the Meat Cutting program in Pipestone, MN.; years later, he decided that Nursing was his true calling. He received his LPN in 1994 and his RN in 2007. In 1992 he met Angela (Vena) Giorno while working at the Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th, on August 14th, 1993 they were married in the chapel at the nursing home. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Luverne, MN and worked at the Minnesota Veterans Home. In 1996 they moved to Kasson, MN where they lived for 14 years. Mike worked at the Mayo Clinic for 22 years in Heart Rhythm Services, Mayo 6 East and 4 Mary Brigh at St. Mary's Hospital. Mike was an upbeat, compassionate Nurse; a kind and generous soul, with a contagious laugh and smiling eyes. He made a lasting impression on all he met! He was a surrogate father to many and loved being Pappa to his grand babies. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. He was passionate about his Green Bay Packers, coffee, cigars and anything sweet! In addition to Angie, his wife of 27 years, Mike is survived by his parents, Richard and Virginia (Seas) Hillestad, his sons Nicholas (Stephanie Gartner) Giorno, and Lee (Kassandra Poffenberger) Giorno, his "adopted" daughters MacKenzie (Josh) Drury, and Michelle (Teschke) Forsyth. His grandchildren Sasha, Ashlyn, Maddox, Logan, and Westen Giorno and his "adopted" grandchildren Collins and Lyncoln Forsyth. He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Schafer, Pam (Mark) Braa, Sheila (Jeff) Martens, Julie (Robert) Apodaca, and one brother Craig (Faye) Hillestad. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and many aunts and uncles. Our sincere appreciation to family and friends who supported us thru Mike's illness, Mayo Hospice, East 4 Tower, CV exam, 1st Joseph, and to his Heart Rhythm Service Family, a special "Thanks for Everything, I Love you All!" To Casey Fazer, PA Head & Neck Cancer Dept. and fellow Packer fan, "Thank you for your care and friendship!" A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at Charlie's Eatery and Pub and at 1:00 p.m. an Irish wake with a special surprise. Masks are required for all visitations and services. Due to Covid-19, the family requests that you RSVP to better plan for social distancing. RSVP's may be sent to amhomespun@hotmail.com or call 507-993-1100 to leave a message. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hillestad family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com