Christine “Tina” Hillman, age 71, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Sioux Falls. The family was present to greet friends for a Memorial Visitation on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, with a Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass began at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with a luncheon following. The Interment was held at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Christine Louise Nelson was born on July 24, 1955, in Waukon, Iowa, and grew up in Caledonia, Minnesota. She attended St. Mary Catholic Schools through eighth grade and went on to graduate from Caledonia High School. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Hillman. Tina served as the secretary and treasurer of their family business but more importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Tina was a generous and caring person who gave freely of herself without ever needing recognition in return. Her faith was quiet but strong, and she carried it with her throughout her life. She had a way of making people feel accepted and cared for, never judgmental and always willing to listen. Her kind eyes and gentle spirit reflected the warmth she carried with her throughout her life. Tina enjoyed doing anything and everything with her family and friends. She was a master organizer of card and board games, trips and activities, always finding a way to bring people together.
She loved staying active and enjoyed bike rides, walks, pickleball and meeting her friends at the Wellness Center. She began each day with a Bible reading and often spent her days diving into a good book to later discuss with her book club friends.
Tina was always ready to try something new, especially when it meant sharing an experience with the people she loved. She embraced life with a wonderful sense of adventure, which included snow skiing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining and hiking in bear country. Traveling the world with Bob, family and friends was among her favorite adventures, and she cherished every opportunity to experience new places, make memories, and share those moments with the people who meant so much to her. She never took those experiences for granted and was always grateful for the life she was blessed to live. “We sure are lucky” was a phrase she often reminded her family of, and it perfectly captured the gratitude she carried with her.
Tina loved all animals, including the five golden retrievers she and Bob had throughout their life together. Her compassion for both people and animals was a constant part of who she was. She volunteered at the St. Francis House, caring for people in need, and she found special ways to bring comfort and joy to others through her love of animals. She took puppies from the Humane Society to Avera to brighten the days of children and elderly patients, and she spent time cleaning stalls at a local horse rescue farm. Whether she was helping a person, caring for an animal, or simply bringing a little happiness to someone’s day, Tina had a generous heart. And although she never admitted to feeding the deer, they always seemed to be lingering in the backyard each winter, waiting for the door to open.
Although never a couch potato, if she found a marathon of “The Andy Griffith Show,” she could happily spend a few hours relaxing in front of the television. Sporting events began early for Tina as she traveled near and far to watch Robb and Casey play football and soccer. That enthusiasm continued with her grandchildren, as she proudly attended and cheered them on in all of their many activities.
Green Lake held a particularly special place in Tina’s heart. She devoted much of her summer to preparing meals, laughing, relaxing, and enjoying time with her sons, their wives, and her grandchildren, as well as many friends and family members who came to visit. The sunset was a moment she cherished and she almost always took a picture of it.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” Hillman; sons Robb (Molly) Hillman of Sioux Falls and Casey (Sarah) Hillman of Sioux Falls, grandchildren Bentley, Lawrence, Alaric, Loretta, Hazel, Violet and Mabel; her brothers and sisters Lynda Palen, John (Sandy) Nelson, Mary (Jerry) Boelman, Susan (George) Kittleson, Bill (Cindy) Nelson, Lizzie (Paul) Hegge, Steve (Sab Shimono) Nelson, Lori (Carl) Haas and David Nelson; brother-in-law Michael Hynek, mother-in-law Marilyn Hillman, and many dear nieces, nephews and friends.
Tina was preceded in death by her parents Alden and Margaret (Link) Nelson, brother Mike Nelson, sister Lisa Hynek, father-in-law Robert F. Hillman, Sr.; and sisters-in-law Kathleen Nelson and Karin Nelson.
Leave a Reply