William H. Hill

Hill William H. Jr., age 82 of Byron, IL, died Tuesday, January 28, 2003 in the Neighbors Nursing Home after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Born April 29, 1920 in Waterbury, CT. Son of William H. and Ruth (Nichols) Hill Sr. Bill proudly served in the Air Force as a pilot during WWII. Married Soffy Kiersten Hald in 1945. Bill and "Kay" had 5 children, Kirsten (Norm) Malecha of Mpls, MN, Karen (David) Hackman of Eden Prairie, MN, Susan Hill of Hudson, WI, Bruce (Lynn) Hill of Oxford Township, MI, and Becky (Steve) Erbe of Rockford, IL. Soffy died in 1982. In 1985, Bill married Ruby Cook, owner of the Golden Dolphin Bath Shops. Ruby and Bill enjoyed traveling to Europe for business and pleasure. They spent winters in Marco Island, Florida. Ruby died in 1992. Bill remained in Florida and met and married a childhood friend, Doris Weiss. They were very active in the Unity Church on the Space Coast (Titusville, FL). Doris predeceased Bill, January 2001. Also surviving is a son, William; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his caregiver and friend, Deanna LeShoure. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Chris. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Neighbors Nursing Home in Byron, IL. A memorial service will be held at Second Congregational Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Unity Church on the Space Coast, 2000 South St., Titusville, FL 32780 or the Neighbors Nursing Home, 811 W. 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010. Visit burpeewoodfh.com to send condolences or for more information. Burpee-Wood Funeral Home, 420 N. Main St, Rockford, IL assisted the family.

Published on February 2, 2003