Scholarship Established to Honor Memory of Hallie Tobler, Celebrated for Kindness and IT Passion

(KNSI) – A scholarship fund honoring Hallie Marie (Johnson) Tobler has been established at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation to celebrate a young woman remembered for her compassion, advocacy, and passion for technology.

Her family wants Hallie’s story to be about the light she brought to the world, not the darkness that took her from it.

Hallie was known for her open heart, unwavering sense of fairness, and championing the underdog. She was a passionate advocate for mental health care, speaking openly about the importance of access, empathy, and support.

After finding her calling in information technology, Hallie worked part-time for the City of St. Cloud’s IT department while attending Arizona State University online. She would have graduated in 2028 with a degree in Information Technology, specializing in Cybersecurity.

The Hallie Marie Women in IT Scholarship Fund honors Hallie’s belief that women were underrepresented in IT and her advocacy for women in technology careers. “Even in death, Hallie’s legacy can live on through the next generation of women who want a rewarding career in IT,” said Jeff and Julie Johnson. “We can’t think of a better way to honor our daughter’s memory than by encouraging and helping women achieve their educational goals.”

Donations can be made online at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

A celebration of Hallie’s life will be held Friday, February 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at The Waters Church, 1227 Pine Cone Road North in Sartell, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Public visitation will also be held Thursday, February 19th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund. The family invites attendees to wear their favorite color to reflect the joy and light Hallie brought to others. The service will be livestreamed.

Hallie’s father, Jeff Johnson, served two terms on the St. Cloud City Council and was a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. He suspended his campaign following his daughter’s death.

Hallie died February 7th, 2026, at age 22, allegedly at the hands of her husband, Dylan Tobler, 23, who was charged with second-degree murder. He is being held on $3 million bail with no conditions, or $1.5 million with conditions.

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