It is hard to believe that Lori has been gone for a year. Her bright light shines on through all those she touched in her life, her work and her family. Thinking of you all.

I always tried to sit by Lori during our Early Access meetings because she was the kind of colleague you wanted to have around, enthusiastic, thoughtful, creative, caring, humorous, and always having the most important part of her job, support for families of children with disabilities, as her first priority.

I will miss her so much; Grant Wood AEA will miss her, and the families she worked with will miss her too. Lori made a difference in the life of her friends, co-workers, and families. We were all blessed to have known her.

She was very nice and always happy I loved her

My heartfelt condolences to all who knew Lori. Having known Lori professionally over many years in the Iowa City area, I was continuously impressed by her dedication and strong spirit. Lori was a wonderful person.

For the Hilmer and Nolton families. It's so hard to lose a loved one and to lose your Lori at such an early age is even harder. A wife and mother is so hard to lose. As a woman she was the the "go to person" I'm sure....how does one get along without the glue that held the family together...well....it takes a long time to figure out where things are and how to get things done.....in time the household will run smoothly again....not the same...but it will run...you will laugh at how in the world did she do everything and in those times you will have awesome memories. Memories are what gets us through the hard days...remember her often...and when you do...she'll smile down at you and laugh with you. God be with all of you during these trying days ahead.

Hillmer family -- I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out about Lori's passing and was complete shocked. She was a passionate fighter against her cancer. I first met Lori at UIHC at one of my children's appointments. It was there that I learned she was also my neighbor. She was such a warm and compassionate person. My deepest sympathy to you all.

Teri Snell

It was a great pleasure being able to know Lori and your family. I pray for comfort for all of you.

Condolences for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with your family at this sad time. Lori was truly a wonderful person.

I was so sad to hear about Lori dying. I planned to come to her visitation & funeral, but found out too late. Please know my thoughts & prayers have been with Lori's family since I heard she had died. I will continue to send warm thoughts your way.

I worked with Lori for a few years at the Center for Disabilities and Development in the same Social Work department. I was sad to see her leave CDD but knew AEA would be a great fit for her. She was always so cherry and happy and great to be around. She is a great loss to this world. She will be missed.

I will miss Lori so much! I worked with her at Grant Wood AEA in her College Community assignment. She was so compassionate and caring - and calm! She went out of her way to do things for others. I still have families ask me about Lori and express how much they loved her and how much she supported them with their child's development. Lori always talked about her own kids at work; it was very evident that they were bright lights in her life. I remember when the family went to Jamaica and she really glowed when she returned - talking about how much fun they had together as a family. A wonderful colleague... a wonderful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May you find that your memories bring you a sense of peace, and may you find moments where you know her spirit is still right there with you - they will be there if you look for them! Peace and prayers...

Thinking of you.

Every time I've talked about Lori to anyone in the past few days, I have said "I just wish you could have met her and known her." She was such an amazing person to be around, and I know how much I will miss her. I can't imagine the pain and loss of those who were related to her, or knew her really well outside of work. I know our lives were better for knowing her. God bless Todd, Ben, Nick, and Becca.

So sorry to hear about your loss, Todd. You and your family are great people and I really respect all the help and mentoring you gave me while we worked together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am really sorry we couldn't be there today.

Lori was an amazing woman. She was dedicated to the families, children and districts she served and she was always so thoughtful and caring as she shared stories, observations and other information so all of us could share in the strengths and celebrations of progress for each child. Our College Community EC team will miss Lori greatly and we pray for peace, courage and strength for her family. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories of Lori that will keep you strong as she was such a strong, beautiful person.

Todd - you and Lori were/are a great example to Grandma Schult's favorite Bible verses in I Corinthians 13 talking about Love is Patient - Love is Kind.

I feel so fortunate to have gotten to work with Lori at Grant Wood. Lori was a patient person who helped others do their job better. Lori made you feel valued when you spoke to her. She was such a good listener. I remember our last conversation at work and she was asking how I was doing. I felt she always put others first. I never heard her once complain. I will miss you, Lori.

Our hearts are saddened to hear of Lori's passing. We would like to let you know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry to hear that Lori has died. I loved working with her at the CDD. I loved her sense of humor and how hard she fought for her patients.

I am so sorry.

Todd and Family,

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I was so saddened to hear of Lori's passing. I will be thinking of you all in the days and months ahead. May your wonderful memories help you through this very hard time in your lives. We were blessed to grow up in such an awesome small community ~ Lori touched many hearts. Hugs and prayers to you all!

Lori was such a wonderful person.She will be missed very much.I know that god is taking good care of her.If you need any thing let me know.My sympathy is with all of you and may god help you through this hard time. T

helen stone

Lori started out as my student way back when in 1989, I think. We had lots of fun and then she was hired when I went on maternity leave. We later shared many foster care stories, as she signed up as a foster parent. She and Todd were great foster parents and now have 3 beautiful children. I am so sad that she has passed and that her family must endure the pain that goes along with this. I know she was a believer and is in heaven. I just "spoke" to her on Facebook last Thursday and she said she was doing well, had a little bit of bone pain and was looking forward to starting a new treatment the following week. I was so shocked to hear that she left this world on Saturday morning. She was the rock of her birth family and a strong, kind person in her marriage and as a parent. Blessings to the family,

Mary Corbin

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Todd and the family. There are so many memories of Lori to cherish over the years. We will keep them in our hearts always.

I was so saddened to hear of Lori's passing. Todd, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May He lift you up and carry you during this difficult time.

Todd: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Lori was an amazing and strong woman. I am very thankful I had an opportunity to meet her.

My family was so sad to hear that Lori had passed away. We shared so many fond memories of her wonderful leadership of Girl Scout Troup 8282. We have kept the photo of your family from the last year on our fridge and I would wish her well every time it caught my eye. We hope, in time, that the loving support of your family and friends will honor Lori and help you in healing, bringing you warm memories of all the blessings she gave to you and your lives!

Was very sad to hear the news about Lori. Sharon always kept me informed of her progress and updates. I was very close to the Hilmer family growing up in Forest City whether it being sports at the school or our games in the Hilmer's driveway. Todd was always around Mike and I and tried to keep us out of trouble with Sharon.............not an easy task. I also went to school with Tom Nolton and he always had a great attitude and was always nice to be around. Two great families and such a sad loss. Thoughts and prayers with both families during this tough time.

Patrick and Jennifer Graham

Linda Graham

The Hilmer family:

Todd and family; my deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. Lori touched so many lives during her time here on this earth. She now sings with the Angels and without any pain. May you find some peace in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Prayers to the family from Ken and Teresa (Rotta) Skjeie

As a former Penn teacher, I had the pleasure of working with the Hilmer family as Nick and Ben's teacher. I am thinking of you boys; Becca and Todd too. When talking with your mom about school issues, it was obvious that she loved and cared so much about you all. She was a great parent to work with and was always positive and supportive. I know you will miss her dearly and you will have ups and downs thinking about your mom. I hope the fond memories of her will pick you up and help you smile....with her.

So sorry to hear of Lori's passing. We remember her fondly not only from Forest City High School, but also from here in the Iowa City area. Our sincerest condolences to the Hilmer and Nolton families.

I always looked forward to my visits with Lori. It was a guarantee she would have me smiling by the end of our time together. I feel fortunate to have known her.

Sorry to hear about the passing of Lori. I can only echo so many of the fine comments that others have stated. Hopefully all of you can find some comfort in all the fond and great memories that were made over the years. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lori first came into our lives during T-ball season of 1998. Todd and Lori's boys Nick & Ben competed against Mitchell's team. Since then, Todd and I coached Football, Basketball, and Baseball together. All the boys were on many teams together, later joined by our youngest son, Matty. We spent many weekends together at the ball fields, had a dinner out a couple of times, drank a couple of beers together. and grew together as families. When they moved next door our 2 houses were interchangeable for each family. Becca loved to come over and see our kitties and puppy, Alli. We don't want to believe it is real. She had such a great sense of humor and fighting spirit beyond reproach. She will be so missed by everyone. The boys always said she was their '2nd Mom'. This was especially true thru some of the trying times we shared together over the years with each family's health. Lori is in much better place now, with no pain, being held by Angels, and in Jesus' loving arms!

I've worked with Lori for the past almost 8 years. We didn't often get to see each other because of the different programs we worked in but we'd see each other at Social Work trainings or meetings. Lori was always friendly, helpful and fun to talk to. My sincere condolences to your family on such a great loss.

I would like to send my sincere condolences to Todd, Nick, Ben, Becca and Lori's close circle of family and friends. I had the true pleasure of working closely with Lori over the past four years, and considered her a great teacher, outstanding co-worker, and wonderful friend. From the beginning Lori was a ray of light. Even with health challenges, Lori made everything seem easy... never one to complain! I will not only miss the grace with which she handled herself in all situations, but I will also miss her smile, laughter, and the small bits of our daily lives we shared with each other over the years. I am so thankful to have been a part of her life, and her incredible spirit will live on in me, and so many others she has touched along the way. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

You couldn't grow up in Forest City in the 70s and 80s and not be touched by the HIlmer and Nolton families in some manner. Lori was a classmate of my brother, Todd a year older than I. She cheered for me when I wrestled and called for me to sack groceries at Bowen Food Center with Todd. While time my have put distance between all of us, the time we did have together made an impression upon my life. Her mark on this world is permanent and evident in the friends and family that morn her loss and celebrate her life. May peace and understanding find the HIlmer and Noltan families. God Bless.

The Thompson family

Lori was such an amazing person and we are grateful for everything she did for our family. Having a child with extra needs can be stressful and Lori was just a wonderful support for us. Praying for her family.

We are so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. Please know that we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by all. Brad Green and Family.

Lori seemed to be always around here and there and we would pass each other often in our work day in the halls, at child care centers, and sometimes other places. We chatted periodically and she helped direct me to a doctor when we were comparing similar situations about our kids. I'll miss seeing her walking by and was amazed by her fight, her tenacity for life and I remember she said once "I am just appreciating every day." I wish eventual peace and joy for her family when they remember her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

I worked with Lori at GW through early access. She helped me learn the Early Access process and was always such a calming person. My heart goes out to all of you that loved her.

I had the wonderful experience of working with Lori when I was assigned to the Solon area. What a gem. She truly did much more than just fulfill her job responsibilities...she genuinely had a dedication and passion for her role in helping families. She was a beautiful inspiration and excellent role model for her children. Rest in peace, Lori. You will be greatly missed.

My sincere sympathies for all the family. I hope that you will find peace in her death and can rejoice in her eternal life, where there is no pain or suffering. Lori will always be remembered as a courageous fighter. Bless her memory,

Cyndy Johnson

Our best to the whole Hilmer/Nolton family. She fought a hard fight and now the Angels are around her relieving her of her pain. I wish we could be there to celebrate her life but travel is out for me. Know we are there is spirit and hugging all.

I am so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. She was one of the warmest and kindest people I ever met. She always made me feel special when we talked. Your family will be in my prayers. My heart breaks for you all and I pray that God brings you all peace in time. She will be greatly missed.

To Lori's Family i want to give you my deepest sympathy on your loss. I was always amazed by her and her ability to give 100% to her work and the children that she had on her caseload at GWAEA while battling cancer. She always had a smile and i will miss her. She is a wonderful inspiration to all of us.

I am so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. Lori's calm and competent influence in her work with colleagues and families will be greatly missed. Lori was a wonderful person and friend.

Todd and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have you in my thoughts and prayers! May all of your good memories bring you comfort.

Todd and family: We were so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. Know that we are.keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, now and in the difficult days ahead. Tony and Cindy (Oudekerk) Reineke

I am still at a loss for what to say. This beautiful woman was a part of my life from the very beginning. Born two weeks apart, we spent many years together telling stories, talking to each other in our dreams while camping ;^}, sharing heartaches, and best of all laughing at the silliest of things. Your beautiful smile and positive ways will live forever in my heart, my dear friend. My heart goes out to Todd, Nick, Ben, and Rebecca during this difficult time, in addition to the Nolton and Hilmer families. Please know that you are surrounded by the love of so many. Lori will be truly missed but her spirit will live on through us.

It has been 25 hours since I held your hand and said goodbye. The hours have been tough but I realize how much of a blessing your life and memory are. At the hospital Jeff pointed out that we truly were sisters, he said look at your toes. We had the exact same color on our toe nails, and we still do. I love you and will miss you always.

I still remember when we interviewed Lori for a position at Grant Wood AEA seven years ago. I thought to myself that day we'd be thrilled if we could hire her. I then had the good fortune to have Lori as a member of the early childhood team at Crest Elementary School. Lori was a great social worker, but an even better person. She was a team player above all and her opinion was valued by her AEA and district colleagues alike. Her legacy will be her work with the families and children who were lucky enough to have her be a part of their lives. Lori's smile, positive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know her.

I am so sad to learn of Lori's death. There are people whom you only know for a short while, but who continue to impact and change who you are, how you think, and how you live for years to come. Lori had incredible spirit and an attitude that met each challenge head on. I admire, respect and cherish the interactions that I was able to have with her.

We are so sorry for the loss of Lori. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this hard time. She is now in Gods hands watching over all

My sympathies to the Hilmer family. They don't come any better than Lori. Working with her at Grant Wood AEA was as good as it gets. She was a passionate and dedicated advocate for the families she served. Several years ago my caseload changed. I immediately negotiated so that I could continue to work with Lori. We shared joys and sorrows and I will miss her dearly.

To her family: I pray that you may find some joy in your sorrow.

Blessings, Carla Walters McMillan

We are so sorry and extremely saddened for all at the loss of Lori. She will be missed and always remembered. She was so pleasant and friendly. It was always nice to visit with her. I will miss talking with her at the fence or across the yard or just exchanging a friendly wave in passing. Our condolences to everyone.

What a great woman Lori was. I enjoyed working with this thoughtful, calm, easy-going woman and enjoyed the times we shared when our children were younger and in Footliters. Peace be with all of you! Jim, Kris, Megan and Conor, The Henry family

I am so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. She provided me with encouragement when I was first diagnosed with MM.