Mary Ann Hillstrom

Mary Ann Hillstrom, 91 of Alexandria, formerly of Willmar, Minnesota passed away at Grand Arbor in Alexandria on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Memorial Services will be at 5:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on Friday, August 22, 2025. Burial will be at Lake Lillian Methodist Cemetery at a later date.

Mary Ann (Summerlet) Hillstrom was born on May 12, 1934 to Sidney and Ethel (Molitor) Summerlet in Willmar, Minnesota. The eldest of four children, Mary Ann grew up on the family farm and attended public school in Willmar until graduating with the class of 1951.

On April 12, 1952 Mary Ann married Gordon Hillstrom and the couple made their home in Lake Lillian. Over several years, the couple welcomed four children: Barb, Diane, Douglas, and David. While her children were young, Mary Ann stayed at home to care for her family but greatly enjoyed being active in her church and her social time with the neighbor ladies – hosting and attending many coffee parties while the children all played together.

As her children grew, Mary Ann was able to find enjoyment outside of the house while working. Throughout the years she worked at the hardware store, card shop, and restaurant as a cook and waitress. During this time, Mary Ann and Gordon also enjoyed bowling, playing countless games of pinochle, golfing, and going on many bus trips.

After Gordon’s stroke in 1987, Mary Ann and Gordon were blessed to winter in Apache Junction, Arizona, a tradition lasting 25 years. In 2015. Gordon and Mary Ann moved to Copperleaf Senior Living in Willmar as Mary Ann’s Alzheimer’s progressed. Gordon passed away on August 6, 2019. In 2024, she was moved to Grand Arbor in Alexandria and was blessed with excellent care.

Throughout her life, Mary Ann was a talented musician. She sang at her church and was a skilled pianist, frequently playing music by ear – a skill she was even able to do as her dementia progressed. Family, friends, and caretakers marveled at her ability to recall the lyrics to songs of any genre. She will always be remembered by those who knew her for her love of music and her kind heart. Mary Ann loved to bake and was well known for her cookies, bars, and bread. She had a generous heart and loved to share her baked goods.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Diane (Curt) Dyrstad, Douglas (Randine) Hillstrom, David Hillstrom; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Orville Summerlet, Dean Summerlet. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Ethel Summerlet; husband, Gordon Hillstrom; daughter, Barb Brandt; grandson, Jeremiah Dyrstad; and sister, Kathy Nelson.