Allen Lloyd Hillstrom

Allen L. Hillstrom, age 88, of Willmar, passed away Monday, December 22, at Cura of Willmar.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer. Interment will be in the church columbarium. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Allen Lloyd Hillstrom was born on November 5, 1937, at home on the family farm near Grove City, Minnesota, to Alva and Grace (Lindel) Hillstrom. He arrived during deer hunting season—a nervous time for his father—and weighed over ten pounds at birth. Upon seeing him, his mother famously said, “I thought I’d have a little baby!” He remained a “big boy” in stature and spirit throughout his life.

Allen attended Grove City Schools and graduated in 1955. He met the love of his life, Janet M. Dokken, on a blind date while performing in the play Arsenic and Old Lace, where he played the town “cop.” They were married in 1957 and celebrated 68 years of marriage in September 2025. Together, they were blessed with two children: Todd Allen (1959) and Kristin Ann (1966).

Allen worked many years for Minnesota Electric and later Viking Electric, where he was known as a top-notch salesman. He was an active member of the Willmar Noon Lions Club, Willmar Masons, and the Willmar Area Zurich Shrine Club. He also proudly served in the National Guard, enjoying Monday nights with his unit until a career change required him to step away.

If asked, Allen would say the most important and joyful part of his life was his wife Janet—affectionately known as “Blossom”—along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He cherished life at Green Lake, traveling to Branson, Montana, and many other destinations, and taking memorable motorhome trips to football games with family and friends. He especially loved his big garage and the life he and Janet built together in retirement.

Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Janet Hillstrom; his children, Todd (Shelley) Hillstrom of Dawson, Minnesota, and Kristin (Tim) Hillstrom of Appleton, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Allen (Ashley) Hillstrom of Spicer, Minnesota, Elizabeth (Erik) Borgos of New London, Minnesota, Amanda (Dave) Anderson of Spring Valley, Minnesota, and Alissa Beckman of Appleton, Minnesota; and his great-grandchildren, Olivia Hillstrom, Arabelle Anderson, and Archer Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Grace Hillstrom; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ella and Gerald Reichert, and Lillian and Corky Holly; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jim and Hilda Dokken, Don and Janet Dokken, Delores and Kotty Kottwitz, and Arline and Herbie Sharstrom; nephews, Doug Sharstrom and Thomas Dokken; and a very special daughter-in-law, Mary (Dawson) Hillstrom.

We give thanks to God for Allen’s life and find comfort in the promise of the resurrection through Jesus Christ.