Tristen L. Hilgardner

Tristen L. "Tricky" Hilgardner, age 19 of Cottage Grove, died suddenly at home on Friday, December 17, 2021. Tristen Lee was born in Northfield, Minnesota, on February 28, 2002. Tristen attended school in Farmington, Cottage Grove, and Woodbury where he graduated from East Ridge with the class of 2021. All throughout his young life, Tristen was an avid sports fan and especially loved playing football and basketball. From being the youngest self-proclaimed expert on his Fantasy Football Leagues, to listening to Pat McAfee podcasts, or always wearing a jersey, Tristen lived and breathed sports. Whether it was tubing, swimming, or getting stranded in the middle of the lake, he truly loved being on the water. Tristen cherished hanging out with friends, and was always sure to find a good game of poker or two. He will forever be remembered for being one of the funniest people to be around and was always sure to light up a room. He was preceded in death by his Papa Ted Hilgardner. Tristen is survived by his parents, Brian (Cari) Hilgardner; siblings, Chance, Abby, Maddie, Olivia, and Justice; grandparents, Clare Hilgardner, and Dave and LuAnn Schroeder; aunts and uncles, Matt (Nicki) Hilgardner, Kristina Hilgardner (Tom Handrich), and Lisa (Nathan) Bruhn; and by many cousins, other relatives, and friends. A Celebration of Tristen's Life will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, December 28, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. Private family interment will be held at a later date. To honor Tristen, family and friends are encouraged to wear a sports jersey in his memory. In support of Tristen's struggles throughout his life, his family is kindly requesting memorials be given to help support Suicide Awareness and Drug Addiction Centers in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.