John Joseph Hillmer

John Joseph Hillmer, age 82, of Coon Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026. Born on June 3, 1943, in Long Prairie, MN, John was the second of four children raised in a hardworking farming family. Among his earliest and most cherished memories was the special bond he shared with his Grandma Margaret (Conely) Donovan. Nearly every day at lunchtime, he would walk to her home to help with chores, enjoy her apple pies and homemade treats, and talk through life with her - a relationship that shaped him deeply. John graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1961 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army. He honorably served three years, achieving the rank of PFC E3. Stationed primarily in Germany, he took every opportunity to travel throughout Europe, experiences he fondly recalled throughout his life. After returning home, John completed a Machine Shop Certificate at St. Cloud Area Vocational Technical School. During this time, he met Sandy Roberts in Minneapolis. The two married on April 11, 1970, beginning a devoted 56-year partnership rooted in love, humor, and steadfast support. They made their home in St. Cloud and welcomed two daughters, who remained the center of John's world. John built a long and respected career as a Millwright, working fourteen years at Brown Boveri. After the plant closed, he transitioned to field service work, traveling widely for Ingersoll Milling and Giddings & Lewis for the next eighteen years. Even after retiring, he continued to lend a hand with odd jobs until Sandy retired as well. A gifted woodworker, John found joy in creating pieces that will be treasured for generations. Together with his daughters, he built two grandfather clocks and many other handmade items. The Hillmer home was filled with laughter, camping trips, family travels, and the ongoing game of hiding sweets from one another. While working on countless home projects, John taught his daughters how to use tools, hold a flashlight correctly, and appreciate the universal truth that you can never have too much electrical tape. In retirement, John and Sandy embraced adventure. They spent nine summers volunteering in Cross Lake, MN, and four years at Bonneville Dam in Oregon. Winters were spent in Alabama, visiting family and enjoying the warm weather from their fifth‑wheel camper. John was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Kathryn Hillmer, and his brother, Herman (Pat) Hillmer. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sandra (Roberts) Hillmer; daughters Charlene Ann (Matthew) Gerard and Angelene Cae (John) Wagner; grandchildren Susan (Ken) Schmitt, John Gerard, Joseph Gerard, Robert Gerard, Anthony Wagner, and Margaret Wagner; and sisters MaryKay Anderberg and Theresa Hillmer. He left this world in spring, waiting for the lilacs to bloom. A visitation and funeral Mass will be held on July 7, 2026, at The Church of Saint Paul in Ham Lake MN. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m., with a reception afterward at the church. Burial will take place at St. Patrick's cemetery in Oak Grove MN.

John Joseph Hillmer

June 3, 1943 - May 21, 2026

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