Jennifer Lynn (Janckila) Hillukka was born on September 30, 1987 in Litchfield, MN to Philip and Vickie Janckila.
She graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 2006 and went on to further her education at St. Cloud State University graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2011. She worked for seven years as a nurse, six years at the St. Cloud Hospital and one year at Shea Hospital in Arizona. She loved her time in Arizona which was spent with friends playing volleyball, roller hockey and hiking in the desert.
Jennifer married her prince charming, Jared Hillukka on May 31, 2014. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Cameron (8), Kyla (6), and Bauer (4). For the last five years Jennifer had been at home with her children full-time. This led to many opportunities to teach them and Jared about many aspects of life. Most important to Jennifer was her faith and family. She was happiest at home with Jared and their children. It was the simple things in life that brought her joy; a walk in the woods behind their home, reading, conversations over a cup of coffee, a cat’s purr, playing the piano, or a game of volleyball. We will remember her big smile, laughter, and dedication to others.
Jennifer passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on August 21, 2023 at the age of 35. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in January of 2021. Her cancer journey exemplified her courage, strength, and positive attitude. Her faith in God never wavered, and she trusted His plan for her life and knew that it was good. This particular verse brought her comfort, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
She is survived by her husband, Jared Hillukka, children Cameron, Kyla and Bauer, parents Philip and Vickie Janckila, siblings Chanda (Levi) Lee, Tara (Phillip) Josephson, Anthony (Amy), Adam (Natalie), Stephanie (Nels) Josephson, Glenn (Britta), Landon (Amanda), Jake (McKenzie), Riley (Isabella), and Casey, father and mother-in-law Keith and Mary Hillukka, sisters and brothers-in-laws, many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her nephew Alexander and her grandparents Kenneth and Hinni Janckila, and George and Joyce Johnson.
Aug
22