Shirley Mae Hillstrom

Shirley Mae Hillstrom, beloved daughter of Verner and Esther (Sellnow) Hillstrom, was born on June 8, 1943, in Carver, Minnesota. Life presented Shirley with unique challenges, as she became a ward of the state at a young age and spent much of her life in group homes. Despite these circumstances, Shirley lived a life full of joy, faith and laughter.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN. Rev. Martin Bentz will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine reflecting Shirley’s lifelong commitment to church and faith,

Shirley spent over half of her life at Community Living in Victoria, MN, where she made many friends, attended church and grew her faith, worked hard at all of her jobs, and went on many adventures. She had a youthful spirit, love of all candy and treats, which she often tried to sneak when no one was looking, and a desire to show her love to family with as many hugs as she could offer. She was always everyone’s cheerleader. It didn’t matter how small the accomplishment was, she would always say,” Good for you!” And of course, offer another hug. Shirley found the greatest joy in the simplest things. Her favorite meal of pork and beans with a pop could be the highlight of her day! And it was never a surprise to find her up to shenanigans. Family members still get a chuckle remembering when she took off on a golf cart at a family gathering and her brother, Wayne, had to chase her around the yard. Did we mention she had a youthful spirit?

Shirley passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the age of 81, at her home in Hopkins. What a joy she must feel being reunited with the family members she loved so dearly!

Shirley will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, including her brothers Robert Hillstrom and Wayne (Cindy) Hillstrom of Belle Plaine, her nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Verner and Esther Hillstrom, brother, Donald Hillstrom, and her sister-in-law, Mavis (Lenz) Hillstrom.

Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church
500 W. Church Street, Belle Plaine MN 56011
Tel: 1-952-873-6320