George R. Hill

 George R. Hill, age 92, of St. Joseph, IL, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022, at Carle Hospital. 

 George was born on November 26, 1929, in Villa Grove, IL. He was the fourth child of John and Eva (Shafer) Hill.  His family moved to St. Joseph when he was a child, and that is where he graduated from high school in 1947.  He married Clara Ann Roessler on September 20, 1953.  They were married for 65 years.

George was employed at the University of Illinois Physical Plant for 32 years.  In addition, he did some construction work with his brother John Hill and worked on the family farm with his brother Gene Hill for many years. 

George enjoyed his hobbies.  He was an avid skier who took many trips with the Champaign Ski Club and with his family.  In addition, anyone acquainted with George knew he traveled extensively on his BMW motorcycle, including trips to BMW bike rallies, Alaska, and all western states.

George was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in St. Joseph.

George is survived by his son Terry Hill (Kim Blair) of St. Joseph, IL; his daughter Laura Woodard of Fitchburg, WI; grandson Jared Hill of Iowa City, IA; grandson Alex Brownstone (aka Matthew Woodard) of Los Angeles, CA; and granddaughter Michelle Woodard of Fitchburg, WI.

George was preceded in death by his dear wife Clara Ann Hill, his parents John and Eva Hill, his sisters Fae Kiifner – Jackson and Margie Reynolds, and his brothers John A. Hill and Gene O. Hill.


Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located at 802 E. Douglas Street, St. Joseph.  Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be at Stanton Cemetery. Prior to the service on June 11, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements. 

 Condolences may be made Freesefh.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Youth Mission Trip or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

George will remembered by his family and friends as a humble, kind, and generous person.

Freese FH 6/5/2022