Lynn Marie Hillmyer, age 68, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. After navigating a decades-long journey with multiple sclerosis, she leaves behind an enduring example of courage, strength, and resilience.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 25, at 5:00 pm at the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum, with visitation one hour prior and meal following. Her beloved grandchildren are serving as honorary urn bearers.
Lynn was born on October 8, 1956, to parents DeWayne and Joycelyn (Rubel) Jensen, who lived in Elk River, Minnesota, with their son, Brad. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church and graduated from Elk River High School in 1974.
Lynn married the love of her life, Lloyd (Monty) Hillmyer Jr. on September 21, 1974. Together, the two made their home in South Haven, Minnesota, where they welcomed two sons, Jason and Joshua. The family attended Zion United Methodist Church and enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. She loved nothing more than watching and cheering on her boys at the hockey rink – a joy she continued with her grandchildren.
Lynn took pride in her community and her work, serving in many Administrative Assistant positions – especially cherishing her time at the family business, United Auto Body, which brought her the joy of seeing her loved ones each day. Of all her pursuits, re-selling antiques was closest to her heart. She loved curating and displaying timeless pieces, finding meaningful gifts, and treasured the dear friendships she gained along the way.
Her compassion and quick wit naturally turned conversations away from herself and toward others, always making a point to ask how everyone else was doing. Her thoughtfulness was a gift in itself – she made holidays memorable with special touches, such as festive napkins and bunny ears at Easter; ensured everyone’s favorite foods were on the table; brought people together with games; and serenaded loved ones with her signature version of the Happy Birthday song. Lynn loved her grandchildren fiercely and cherished her time with them. She found peace near the water and especially enjoyed time at the family cabin, just steps from her faithful parent’s home on Big Stone Lake.
Lynn was wonderfully stubborn and independent, as she was loving, and her sense of humor and contagious laugh lit up every room. She taught us what it means to fight and hold onto hope, to meet each obstacle head-on, and to believe we can do hard things, just as she always did.
What a beautiful difference one single life made. Blessed be her memory.
Lynn’s legacy lives on in her devoted husband of 50 years, Monty Hillmyer; loyal sons Jason (Karina) and Josh (Melissa); 10 grandchildren Keyra (Haldan Pedersen), Dylan (Jennifer), Dane, Karson, Chase, Max, Nora, Easton, Greta and Henrik; 3 great-grandchildren Greydon, Darius, and Ayla; and brother Brad Jensen.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Emma Jensen, and Earl and Mildred Rubel; her parents DeWayne and Joyce Jensen; and her sister-in-law, Barty Jensen.
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