Les C. Hill
Les Charles Hill, 88, passed away November 25, 2023.
Les was born October 25, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Leslie A. and Alberta E. (Kirchner) Hill. He graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1954. Les went on to attend Drake University and then graduated from the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. Les married his high school sweetheart, Sue Damm, in 1958, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. Within his family, in his community and in his work life as a purchasing agent, Les was known for his strong work ethic and for helping others.
More than anything, Les loved his family and the life they crafted in the country. He renovated their 1800s farmhouse and then enjoyed 50 years of gardening, cutting and splitting wood to heat his home, going for walks, snowshoeing, sledding, and observing wildlife at “the farm” in rural Galesville. His children and grandchildren learned from him to love the land and care for it. Northern Minnesota and Lake Superior held a special place in his heart from the time he held his first job at a Gunflint Trail resort. Les passed that love of the Northwoods wilderness on to his children, teaching them to canoe and camp and taking them on many adventures including their annual canoe trips down the Black River.
Les had a finely tuned sense of humor and his love of puns and pranks (usually delivered with a straight face and a twinkle in his eye) brought much joy to his family and friends all his life.
Les is survived by his loving wife, Sue Hill; his children: Beth (Dave) Krolak, Laura (Mike) Oanes, Karen Siewert, Jim (Louise Camilleri) Hill, Jenny (John Havlicek) Sorenson; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by daughter Cathy Wade; parents, Leslie Alexander Hill and Alberta Kirchner Hill; brother, Robert Hill; and sister, Alice Hill. His memory will be cherished by everyone who knew and loved him and he will be dearly missed.
A private celebration of Les’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Condolences may be sent to Sue Hill at Eagle Crest North in Onalaska.
Les’s family thanks Gundersen Hospice and the Eagle Crest North Assisted Living Community for their compassionate care.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.
