Rev. Bruce K. Hillyer - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

March 14, 1961 - February 22, 2020


Rev. Bruce Kenneth Hillyer, age 58, of Minneapolis. Bruce Hillyer grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here he was raised by his devoted parents, Kenneth and Vivian Hillyer, and shared a happy childhood with his siblings. In 1982, he and his wife Cindy went on their first date--they loved each other for the next 38 years. Bruce was a loving and supportive father to his son and daughter, Samuel and Madeleine. Throughout his life as a Presbyterian pastor in Minneapolis, Bruce was a man who brought God's love to people and people to God's love. He shared this love with everyone he encountered through humor, kindness and integrity. Survived by wife, Cindy; daughter, Madeleine and son, Samuel; mother, Vivian Hillyer; sister, Heidi Smith (Greg), and brother, Mark Hillyer (Jill Bode); nieces and nephews, Daniel Smith, Nicolas Andres, Christina Smith, Maggie Stearns, Jill Stearns and Max Stearns. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth F. Hillyer.

Memorials may be given to Greater Twin Cities United Way, Minnesota Teen Challenge or Shriner's Childrens Hospital.





7 Comments

  1. Mike, Stacy, Tess, Ruby, Rizzo & Roscoe says:

    We love Bruce and his family so dearly. My heart is broken at never seeing his twinkling eyes again, his warm smile and hearing his stories. Our neighborhood will forever have a piece missing. We promise to keep you alive through our favorite stories of you.

  2. Patrick Burrage says:

    Cindy, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I pray for peace for your family in your time of sorrow. Know that through this time our Father in Heaven is with you
    “… I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13

    Patrick B.

  3. Judy Meerkins says:

    Bruce was a true servant! He was so kind to the sick, the elderly and the disenfranchised. I loved his keen wit. Prayers for his family in the says and weeks to come!

  4. Barbara Schnizlein says:

    Dear Hillyer Family and Friends,

    Although we didn’t know Pastor Bruce personally, we always enjoyed his sermons, inclusive manner and winning smile. He will truly be missed.

    Love, Brian and Barb Schnizlein

  5. Beatrice Benda says:

    Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss of this loved one. Knowing you have the faith of Resurrection in Christ, and all the promises in God’s Word to always be with you, it is still is a devastating transition, and I want you to know I’m here as a listening ear.

    Work colleague at MPS with Cindy.

  6. Beatrice Benda says:

    Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss of this loved one. Knowing you have the faith of Resurrection in Christ, and all the promises in God’s Word to always be with you, it is still is a devastating transition, and I want you to know I’m here as a listening ear.

    Work colleague at MPS Health Related Services with Cindy.

  7. Marianna Sullivan says:

    We are all so saddened by Bruce’s sudden departure from this earthly life. Sending you all love and peace. Marianna, Jay, Nate and Quinn Sullivan

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