Lisa Marie Hilstad, 46, of Owatonna, went to heaven on Thursday, April 2, 2009. She was surrounded by family at her home. Lisa, the daughter of Paul and Judi Schwab, was born a gift from God on September 9, 1962 in Owatonna. Lisa graduated from Owatonna High School with the class of 1981. She attended Mankato State University. Lisa married Jon Hilstad on June 25, 1988 in Owatonna. Those many of us fortunate to have been close to Lisa were made joyful by her presence and are now greatly pained by her loss. Lisa was in possession of a spirit of generosity that was a great blessing to those near her. Although she experienced the heartache of loss many times, hers was a life largely filled with laughter, fun and love. Lisa was passionately committed to her family and friends. Relationships were of the utmost importance to her, and she never, even during the struggles of her last months of life, stopped looking for ways to do something for others. The courage and positivity she revealed during her battle with cancer amazed those around her. Lisa took great joy from laughing, volunteering at school, taking pictures, chatting, the Twins Vikings, playing softball and volleyball, and time at Lake Vermilion. She especially loved watching her children's sports and activities. Being around children was a great deal of fun for her and for the many lucky children who got to know her. Lisa will be remembered for many things, especially for her vibrance, empathy, generosity, spiritedness, and her loving nature. She is survived by her husband, Jon, and children, Travis, Bria, Karissa; parents, Paul and Judi Schwab; sister, Brenda (and Adam) Pitan and their children Mike (and Brittany Oberaigner) Pitan and their daughter Lauren Pitan, Angela Pitan and Matt Pitan; sister, Jennifer (and Loren) Dietz and their children Victoria, Julia, and Hilary; brother, Dennis (and Karla) Schwab and their children Katelyn, and Maria. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother Theresa Schwab, and special Uncle Jim Schwab. Other survivors are brother in- law Chad Hilstad, sister in- law Lisa (and Mark) Feese, and their children Tate, and Carly, and mother in- law JoAnn Hilstad. Lisa is also survived by cousins, aunts, uncles, and many friends. Loved ones who went before her include her sisters, Debby Lynn and Lori Judi Ann Schwab, grandparents, Frank Schwab and Margaret Kroeger, father in-law, Chuck Hilstad, sister in-law, Lori Hilstad, and brother in-law, Pat Arnfelt. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-5pm and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Monday from 1-2pm. Funeral services will be held Monday April 6, 2009 at 2:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend John Lestock officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation: 04/05/2009 13:00 04/05/2009 17:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 04/06/2009 14:00