Jillian Karen Greear

Jillian Karen Greear (nee Sonksen) passed away at her home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. She was 46 years old.

Jillian was born March 14, 1980, in Crookston, MN, to Philip Mark Sonksen and Debra Martin. From the beginning, Jillian seemed to experience the world a little differently than most. She was a free spirit who looked for beauty in unexpected places, found reasons to laugh, and had a remarkable ability to make the people around her feel welcome.

Jillian was, quite simply, one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She had an infectious smile, a contagious laugh, and a warmth that made it nearly impossible to remain a stranger for long. Jillian included people. She noticed people. Whether you had known her for years or had met her five minutes earlier, she had a way of making you feel like you belonged.

She was charismatic, extraordinarily generous, and happiest when the people around her were happy. She loved children, adored animals, and carried with her a kindness and openness that drew people toward her.

For a time, Jillian worked as a DJ in Des Moines, a role that, looking back, seemed perfectly suited to her. Jillian loved bringing people together, making them smile, and creating an atmosphere where everyone could simply enjoy themselves. Give Jillian music, a room full of people, and an opportunity to make them happy, and she was in her element.

That same desire to bring happiness and comfort to others followed her into another chapter of her life. Jillian owned and operated Heartland Massage and later The Massage Closet in Des Moines for many years. It was different work, but in many ways, it came from the very same place in her heart. Jillian had an instinct to provide comfort, relief, and care to the people around her. Helping others feel a little better came naturally to her.

But Jillian's life cannot really be captured by the places she worked or the things she accomplished. Her greatest gift was the way she made people feel.

She made people laugh. She made people comfortable. She made people feel included. She gave generously, loved freely, and approached life with a spirit entirely her own. There truly were no strangers around Jillian, only people she hadn't gotten to know yet.

Her life ended far too soon, and those who loved her will always wish there had been more time. Jillian's story should be remembered for all of the life she brought: her laugh, her smile, her generosity, her free spirit, her love for people and animals, the music, the friendships, and the countless moments when she made someone else's day a little brighter simply by being Jillian.

Jillian is survived by her child, Jesse Lee Shoemaker; her husband, Benjamin Greear; step children Carter and Cassiopeia Greear; her siblings, Jennifer, Jayson, and Shanan; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Those who knew Jillian will miss many things about her, but perhaps most of all they will miss the unmistakable sound of her laugh and the energy that seemed to follow wherever she went.

The world was brighter, louder, warmer, and certainly more interesting with Jillian in it.

And that is how she deserves to be remembered. She was a mermaid at heart. Her remains will be delivered to the Caribbean Sea.

In lieu of flowers, Jillian would want donations made to the Food Bank of Iowa. A celebration of her beautiful life will be planned for a later date.