Gary F. Hill, age 74, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed into eternal life on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin following a courageous battle with leukemia.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs and Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Gary was born October 8, 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Foster and Joan (Klobuchar) Hill. He graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1955. Gary married Esther R. Radmer on October 5, 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They moved to Adams in 1968. He worked for Chicago NorthWestern railroad for 19 years before fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning his own business The Edge of Night Motel in Antigo, Wisconsin.
Gary was a very loving and devoted husband. As a father and grandfather, he took pride in and was extremely involved with his family he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing sports, watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. He was an avid Badger, Brewer and Packer fan.
Gary, along with his wife, Esther, spent the last 6 years helping their daughter Linda with her business at SPORTZ-N-MORE Embroidery. He took pride in watching her business grow. He always enjoyed greeting the customers and lengthy conversations.
Gary was so proud of all of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was a simple man with a huge heart that touched everyone he met.
Gary was preceded in death by parents, Foster and Joan Hill.
Survivors:
Wife: Esther Hill of Friendship, Wisconsin
Daughter: Kathi (Dan) Stieber of Mosinee, Wisconsin
Son: Scott (Kelly) Hill of Kansasville, Wisconsin
Daughter: Linda (Tim) Wormet of Adams, Wisconsin
Son: Todd (Terri) Hill of Morris, Illinois
Daughter: Terri (Ray) Ashworth of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota
Daughter: Michelle (Lennie) Hammond of Rothschild, Wisconsin
Daughter: Jean (James) McPhail of Wausau, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Heather (Brian) McKnight of Woodbury, Minnesota
Grandchild: Amie Stieber of Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grandchild: Kevin Stieber of Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grandchild: Amanda (Ryan) Sieker of Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Gary (Jennifer) Hill of Appleton, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Brook (Crystal) Wormet of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Brandon (Jess Richie) Wormet of Plover, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Brianna (Josh) Seefeld of Janesville, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Bryce Wormet of Adams, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Nicholas Hill of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Grandchild: Brittany Hill of Chicago, Illinois
Grandchild: Danielle Hill of Bloomington, Illinois
Grandchild: Alexa Ashworth of St. Cloud, Minnesota
Grandchild: Hayden Ashworth of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota
Grandchild: Bradie Hammond of Rothschild, Wisconsin
Grandchild: McKenna Hammond of Rothschild, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Kiara Hammond of Rothschild, Wisconsin
Great-Grandchild: Owen McKnight of Woodbury, Minnesota
Great-Grandchild: Isaiah McKnight of Woodbury, Minnesota
Great-Grandchild: Kjerstin McKnight of Woodbury, Minnesota
Great-Grandchild: Autumn Wormet of Friendship, Wisconsin
Great-Grandchild: Hoyt Wormet of Friendship, Wisconsin
Great-Grandchild: Masyn Wormet of Plover, Wisconsin
Great-Grandchild: Brynlee Seefeld of Janesville, Wisconsin
Further survived by other relatives and many friends.
So sorry to hear of your loss of your dad & Grandfather! We just experience a loss in our family, and i know what you mean Linda, how do you go each day without thinking about them, and we will do and see. Just looking at Tyler and Tiffani reminds me of her, Jim’s mom. So I know even though i shedd some tears today, i rejoice knowing that our parents are up in heaven celebrating as they have been release from all pain, illness, sadness and they are dancing and laughing with those who went before them.. Hugs to your family!
It has been 18 days since the passing of my father. I can’t say that it has gotten any easier. I miss everything about him. His handsome face with that wonderful smile, his comforting words and reassurance that things would be fine whenever I encountered troubles in my life, his genuine love for his family, the way he came to work and got excited if Hoyt was here to hang with him, (cuz that meant he had to play with Hoyt instead of work), the way he tried to bribe Hoyt into letting him watch the Brewers play their afternoon games on tv, the way he loved to go out to eat for friday fish frys and loved chinese food or pizza for lunch at work. Every where I look and everywhere I go, I see him in front of me. I try to tell myself it’s ok and that I won’t let it get to me. But the constant tears tell me otherwise. I know it’s a selfish thing that I want him back in my life so badly. It’s said in time it will become more tolerable. Or so they say. I have yet to see that happen. I miss you so much dad. You have been and always will be a big part of my life. XOXOXO
My thoughts are with you all. He will live on in your hearts forever.
Michelle and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
We lost Dad 2 years ago and it was the saddest day I can remember. I believe Dad’s now with God and is always happy. I believe this is true for your Dad as well.
Dear Linda and Family,
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Hill, but Linda and her siblings always displayed such strong family ties and values. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your many wonderful memories hold you strong until you meet again.
Esther, Linda, and Family! We are so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He will be missed so much by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to all of the Hill family.
I am so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. God must have needed another angel in heaven. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Words can’t express the feelings we have towards the loss of our beloved Grandfather. He was a great man and gave us nothing but the best support in everything we did. He will be forever missed. We love you Grumpy!
Dear Linda and family….we are so sorry for your loss. May your prayers bring you peace within.
Dear Linda and family… I’m so sorry for your loss. Times like these there aren’t allot of words that will help but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Wendy
Dear Linda and family,
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I will never forget standing in line with him and Esther waiting to get into playoff basketball games
!! He was always so pleasant and kind and it wasn’t a game without him there!!! So inspiring to see all or most of his children gathered around them for each season!! He truly was the true definition of devoted husband, Dad, Grandpa, fan and a wonderful person. So though these are very trying and difficult times, rest assured knowing all the lives he has touched whether it be with his family, in the store or at a basketball game…. those are the memories to keep in your hearts forever. God bless you all.
Dear Esther and Hill Family,
Ev and I treasure our memories and friendship with Gary and all of you. We shared life and faith in the Lord’s goodness in so many ways and a part of our hearts has never left you. We grieve with you and also rejoice in the sure hope of eternal life with Gary and all who trust and believe in Jesus as Lord. We pray the Lord’s comfort and peace for you, surpassing understanding but soothing the heart. Our prayers remain with you.
I am sorry to have heard of your loss. It was an honor to have met Gary and all his caring family. My thoughts are with you.
Linda and family, We were sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always fun to talk to in the store. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Esther and Family, my thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.
What a wonderful man! Husband, father, granddad, great granddad, a role model for them all.
A family is a direct reflection of "Dad and Mom", and the Hill’s hit it out of the park with Gary and Esther. Hold on tightly to the wonderful memories as I am sure they are countless.
Scott, I wish I could say something to make it hurt less, I don’t know those words exist. You are the person you are because of him and that is indeed a very good thing. My dad was my super man and I know you felt the same about yours, it showed. Hold on to all the wonderful times.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ray
To the Hill, Wormet,and other members of Gary’s family. I know all of you have suffered a huge loss and are going through a very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers to everyone of you. Gary will be missed by so many and truly never forgotten by the ones who loved him. We’ll see you in heaven Gary. John 11:25 KJV
Linda, Esther and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I only new Gary since going to basketball games where he was on the top bleachers with family cheering for his granchild. It has been a blessing in knowing such a kind , caring, warm man. You could tell that the warmth radiated to his family. May God put his arms around you and tell you he is safe at home with Him.
I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss talking to him about basketball and his support of the program. Your family is in my thoughts.
Linda and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a charming man and radiated warmths whenever I saw him at your store! Thoughts and prayers for you all at this time.
Esther & the ‘Kids’.- So sorry -we have all lost a friendly, kind man; a great father and grandfather-plus a good husband. Remember Esther, we are the strongest, I guess that is why we are left alone, but we’ll join them one day. God loves us.
I know this is a huge loss to all the family and friends I have had the privilege of being with Gary and family on many special occasions and saw the love this close family had for each other the pride taken by a grandpa at his grandson’s basketball game. One thing stood out more than anything for me that was the love between him and his wife. I only hope to have that unconditional love in my life. My son married into an exceptional and loving family. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Heaven was given an amazing Grandpa. You were such a fighter and so strong. I’m glad we were able to be at your side the past week. You will be missed so much by all of us. I know your little Pumpkin Butt Brynlee has an amazing guardian angel now that loves her so much. It makes me smile thinking of us walking into the room a few days ago and having you open your eyes and smile at Brynlee & call her your Pumpkin Butt. I’ll cherish that moment forever. We love you so much Grandpa.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Gary. May your memories give you strength.
when I saw this just now my heart broke. I am crying for all of you. What a wonderful man. Husband, father, grandfather great-grandfather. I am stunned, I feel your pain and we all have lost a wonderful person, you are not alone with this loss so many knew Gary and Esther, you were always together and such a great relationship and family.My heart is hurting for all of you.
Our deepest sympathy to Esther & all of Gary’s family. You all will be in our thoughts & prayers.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Can’t help but think of the saying "how wonderful to have known and loved someone that is so hard to lose". Your wonderful times together make it so difficult to say goodbye, yet it will be those wonderful memories and times that will sustain you in the days to come. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I loved coming in to the store and joking around with him. He was such a wonderful man! I know he is with Jesus now looking down on his family that loved him so much. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me! Your family has always helped me so much so please let me know if there is anything you need at all!
Dear Hill family, I am so sorry to hear of Garys passing. Hold each other close and remember that Gary loved each and everyone of you very much. You could always tell that whenever you heard him talk about his family. I will always remember being at sports events when I was in school. You could always count on "Mr and Mrs Hill" to be there. My sincere condolences sent your way.
my prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time of sadness. and i can’t help but remember Gary’s smile and laugh. it was a pleasure to know him and the rest of the family over the years at the Edge of Night motel when i was on the road so often it was almost like comming home when checking into the motel and sitting in the lobby talking about the week with a beer and good conversation. I often remember those days and the friendship the whole family extended to this traveler. we are all blessed to have known Gary and i will always have fond memories of him and the rest of you as i met you through the years. God Bless.
Michelle and Family,Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I would like to express my sympathy to Gary’s family. At times like this words are insufficient. Please accept my sincere condolences.
How true it is! Bad things still happen to good people. no matter how hard we fight it. We’re so sorry for this loss of a friend, and ever ready smiling face. Heaven must have been in great need to steal him from us so young. Our prayers are with you all. Dave and Laura Fields
We are so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. We enjoyed talking with him around the park and when we would come into the store. He was a generous and kind man who’s love of family showed in everything he did. Esther, if there is anything we can do please let us know. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you peace.
We haven’t seen;you both for quite some time,but the memories we have we will always cherish. You have a beautiful family, who will miss Gary immensely!
May God give you the strenghth to cope with this great loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
May the support of family and friends help you through this time. We realy enjoyed talking with Gary when we visited the store. To all the Hill family our deepest sympathy.
I don’t know if you remember me, I am Joe an Lorraine’s daughter. It has been so very long since I hsve seen you and Gary. I still have a picture of you and him, taken in aunt Joan and uncle Fos’s house there in West Mil. I always thought of you both as the sweetest looking couple. I was a bit younger then!!! I lost touch with my dad’s family since we moved to Ill. 28 years ago. I have often thought of all of you and wondered how and where you were. I am so sorry I didn’t get to see you and Gary since then. I see you have Quite the beautiful family. I am sure he will be unbelievably. We have 4 children,1 grandaughter, 7 grandsons and 1 beautiful great granddaughter. My dad Joseph passed away in 1975 and my Mom in 2000, here in Ill. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I hope we can be in touch sometime. All my memories of you and Gary are the best.
I am very sad to hear this news. Many, many fun and great memories of Gary.
Playing various levels of baseball with Scott and always Gary and Esther in the stands cheering us on.
Later having a laugh or two at night at Castle Rock Park around the fire. I am glad now I stopped by a couple of years ago at the park to do this again. Always fun being with the Hill clan.
After all these years I still have not met anyone who epitomizes what a Dad should be more than Gary Hill. He was a positive role model not just to his own children, but to all those who knew him. A stand up guy.
To Scott, Linda, Kathy, Esther, and all of the Hill family my deepest sympathy.
Dear Hill family… Remebering Fos and Joan, no wonder Gary was such a good man with such a great family. May you be comforted in your sadness and rejoice in all your happy memories.
Esther and Family….
So sorry for your loss.I remember working with Gary at 4 Seasons….he was very helpful and a blast to work with.If you needed help with anything he would try and help or if someone was giving you grief he would have your back.
Dear Linda and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Gary was a great man and a wonderful Father and Husband!
Linda and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a kind man and always will be remembered in your memories. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Dear Michelle and all the Hill family: My prayers are with you all during this time. Although it is sad to lose one so close, you guys are an amazing family and you have many, many, many incredible memories and laughs to share. Your Dad will always be near. Prayers for peace and strength. Lean on each other, but even moreso, lean on God. He is the true Healer of the broken hearted! Love you all!
Dear Esther and Family, Deepest sympathies go out to all of you. I got to know Gary working with him at Four Seasons Mini Mart. He was such a good worker, Funny Man, and a Very Nice Guy. I loved working with him and will for ever hold Fond Memories of him. Take Care!! RIP GARY!!!
Linda and family, thinking of you during this time.
Deepest Sympathy. We have many fond memories of Gary and your family. Would attend service..we live in Mesa, AZ. for the last few years. You will be in our prayers. Karen and Don
Dear Pete and all my cousins,
Our heart felt sympathy at your husband and fathers passing. When I think about Uncle Gary, the word that comes to mind is Patriarch. He was truly your familys Patriarch. Everything said about him in his obituary is so true. He truly loved his family. It always amazed me how an only child just knew how to raise seven wonderful children. But then he was not alone in his parenting. He had beside him the love of his life, Esther, or Butch, who I know as Aunt Pete. (The story told to me by my father is that his youngest sister was born at home and she came Pretty Darn Quick. He was told to leave the house and when he returned he called this new baby sister Pete, like in PDQ.)
Uncle Gary reminds me so much of another Patriarch. His name is Abraham. Abraham lived by faith. Abraham listened to God and traveled to a foreign land. He was a stranger in a foreign land. All the time he and his family travel around living in tents he was looking forward to the city with foundations , whose architect and builder was God. Uncle Gary too lived by faith. He traveled though this land. He is now in that promised land. One of my favorite hymns is an old hymn. The title is Im But a Stranger Here, and the refrain is Heaven is my home. Verse three is the best: There at my Saviors side Heaven is my home; I shall be glorified, Heaven is my home. There are the good and blest, Those I love most and best; And there I, too, shall rest, Heaven is my home. I can only imagine the great homecoming Uncle Gary had on Friday morning. All of his family and friends who have gone before him were there to meet him. And our loving God was there too! The next days, weeks, months and years will not be easy. We have walked in your shoes. The best part is that someday we will all be called by God to the promised land and met by those we love most and best. For those left behind, we need to pray. Pray without ceasing for the comfort and peace that can only come from above. We have an awesome God who can do immeasurable things.
God willing we will meet all of you at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Tuesday morning.
Blessings, Bobbie and Jim
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Dean & Donna Kirsenlohr
I am so sorry to hear of Garys passing. He was also so nice to talk to when I came into Linda’s shop. My prayers are with you all
Dear Hill family
I am so sorry for your loss.
so sorry on your loss of Gary. Hold each other close and share your memories of him. May God comfort you during this difficult time