Donald R. Hills
Donald R. Hills, 84, Loyal, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 3, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, with Rev. Leo Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Donald Ray Hills was born to Alfred and Ina (nee Parker) Hills in Loyal on May 14, 1937. He was raised and received his education in Loyal, graduating from Loyal High School in 1956. Donnie was an all-around athlete and letterman in high school, excelling in basketball and baseball. He was never a tall man, but always told his family that his nickname on the basketball court was “Dunk,” for his ability to slam the ball into the hoop. His family never doubted him. Donnie enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation and spent time in Georgia, Washington State and Korea. He was honorably discharged after two years of service. He married Janet C. Christenson on Dec. 24, 1956. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary quietly at home due to COVID precautions. He worked various blue-collar jobs in Loyal after their return from Washington, including being a meat cutter at Rellis IGA and a plumber with Midland Cooperative. As a young man, he worked as a pinsetter at the Loyal Bowling Alley and years later became a proud co-owner and operator of Hills Bros. Bowl, along with his brother, Al. Donnie enjoyed cooking for his many lunchtime customers, and was known for his delicious hot beef sandwiches and chicken dumpling soup. It has been hard to recreate those perfect dumplings. Secret recipe. He and Al ran it together for many years, until Al’s untimely death in 1990. It became too much for him to handle on his own, so after 24 years he sold the business and became a general maintenance man at Grassland Dairy Products for 15 years. After retirement, he continued to practice his first love, fishing, at his secret hole on “the Black,” where he found so much peace. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, always loved a cribbage game, but missed playing sheepshead with his brothers and “the guys.” He was a quiet man but always had a joke for any occasion. His brain stored thousands of them and he was always happy to share one.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; their four children: Donna (Vern) Geiger of Mesa, Ariz., Dan (Cyndy) Hills of Coppell, Texas, Tim (Monica) Hills of Rockford, Ill., and Jim (Amy) Hills of Loyal; five grandchildren: Troy Hills of Eau Claire, Dan Geiger of Brooklyn, N.Y., Shawn (Megan) Geiger of San Tan Valley, Ariz., Nate Hills of Rockford, Ill., and Elaina Hills of Rockford, Ill.; one great-grandchild: Max Geiger; three siblings: John Hills of Sussex, Mike (Laurie) Hills of Juneau, and Susan (John) Aiken of French Island; four sisters-in-law: Betty Hills of Colby, Marge Hills of Wausau, Jan Hills of Sussex, and Jeanne Mike of Greenfield; and many nieces and nephews who always looked forward to hearing Uncle Donnie’s jokes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Doreen Sinclair, Doris Duell, and Sandra in infancy; and brothers: Al, David, and Chuck.
He was a faithful member of St. Anthony Church in Loyal, and a long-time member of the Loyal Fire Department, and a member of the Loyal Lions Club.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY 119311
