Monica (Neiman) Hill, of Rochester, passed away suddenly in a car accident on October 1, 2019 at the age of 56. A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held to celebrate her life at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM with Prayers & Reflections at 1:30 PM.
On April 21, 1963, Monica Ann Neiman was born to Virgil & Joan (Grinnell) Neiman. She was an older sister to Rich and loved growing up in North Minneapolis. Monica was always adventurous; growing up, she enjoyed downhill skiing in the winter and water skiing in the summer. She was on the cross-country team and enjoyed spending time with her friends. The Neiman family took frequent trips up to Leader, MN to visit grandparents and extended family. They also enjoyed an annual summer trip to a lake resort with the Jaspersens. Monica truly loved her childhood and cherished all her special memories.
In 1981, Monica graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret. She attended Minneapolis Community College and later transferred to Mankato State where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. Monica worked hard to put herself through school. She often had multiple jobs including working at Dayton’s and Theodore Wirth Golf Club.
Following her college graduation, Monica began working for different newspapers. She spent time at the St. Charles Press, the Winona Post and the Rochester Post-Bulletin. These jobs also allowed her to pursue her love of photography. Even after her full-time work with the papers had ended, she continued to do freelance photography for them. For the past 20 years, Monica has worked in the IT department at the Mayo Clinic. She made many wonderful friends along the way.
In the fall of 1995, Monica married Bruce Hill. Their marriage was blessed with a son. Chris was the absolute joy of Monica’s life. She loved him with her whole heart. When Chris was young, they enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing as a family. They took many trips up to Prior Lake to visit Monica’s family. After 15 years of marriage, Monica and Bruce went their separate ways, but they both remained dedicated parents to Chris.
In her free time Monica enjoyed being with her family and friends. She loved to travel and took many memorable trips with Chris. They even went parasailing in Virginia Beach. Monica also took a few “Girls Trips” to Mexico with friends. The last few years, Monica was most happy on the back of Pete’s Harley. She loved going for long rides on his motorcycle and feeling the wind in her hair.
Monica was happy-go-lucky and always down for a good time. She was genuine and kind. She made friends easily and kept them for life. Monica was hard-working and independent. She loved her family and friends with her whole heart.
About a year ago, Monica had an aneurysm. She was lucky to survive, and this taught her to appreciate each day and to live life to the fullest… and she did!
Monica will be remembered always by her loving son, Chris Hill; mother, Joan Neiman; brother, Rich (Michelle) Neiman; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Monica was greeted in Heaven by her father, Virgil Neiman.
