Nicole Ann “Colee” Hillemeier, 36, of Austin, Minnesota, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 3, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Nicole was born in Olivia, Minnesota, on Jan. 2, 1980, to Douglas and Pamela (Hassinger) Hillemeier. Nicole and her family moved to Austin in 1985. Growing up, she was a free spirited and imaginative child. She loved to ham it up and pose for any camera. You could usually find her singing, twirling, and dancing with a big smile on her face lighting up the room. Nicole enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved all animals. At age 5, she started practicing gymnastics and excelled greatly in this sport. Over time Nicole became one of the top competitors on her team and earned awards such as Big 9 All Conference and All State.

Nicole built strong friendships throughout her school years and graduated from Austin High School in 1998. She lived in Colorado for a while, but resided in Austin for most of her life. After school, Nicole worked as a florist applying her artistic talents at a local floral shop. She loved drawing and crafting by turning just about anything into something beautiful. Later on Nicole worked in a home with mentally disabled adults and also with children. She loved children and they loved her as well. Nicole especially loved her niece, Harper. They had a bond that can never be broken.

Nicole’s happy disposition followed her into adulthood and anyone that knew her would remember her singing along to her favorite song while dancing and twirling happily. Nicole had an infectious smile and a beautiful heart. She brought happiness to many people and will be deeply missed. We are at peace knowing you are beyond the stars filling up the jukebox with nothing but the good stuff.

Survivors include her parents, Douglas Hillemeier, St. Cloud, Minnesota, Pamela Hillemeier, Austin, Minnesota; sister, Natasha (Ryan) Hillemeier, Austin, Minnesota; brother, Brandon Hillemeier, Colorado Springs, Colorado; niece, Harper Tracy, Austin, Minnesota; longtime companion, Joshua Miller — son of Richard and Tanya Miller, all of Austin, Minnesota; aunt, Trudy Hassinger and uncle, Keith Lueck, Brownsdale, Minnesota; cousin, Amy Spinler, Austin, Minnesota; many other close relatives; special friends, Crystal Hinrichs and Cindy Wadding; also hundreds of others she touched throughout her years who will affectionately remember her.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Martin and Patricia Hassinger, Florian and Phyllis Hillemeier; godfather and uncle, John Hillemeier; second cousin, Patricia Grace.

A celebration of life for Nicole will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at Mayer Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Cornerstone Church. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.