Russ Hill

Memorial services for Russ Hill, age 88, of Milaca, will be held Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Milaca with Rev. Tim Schaekel officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. James Russell “Russ” Hill was born in Minneapolis, MN to Clifford and Clara (Beecher) Hill on December 22, 1928 and passed away December 4, 2017. Russ graduated Milaca High School in 1946 and joined the U.S. Army serving between 1946-1948 as well as 1950-1952. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Cornelius on July 26, 1952 in Milaca, MN. Russ and Betsy had two sons, James Jeffrey “Piker” and Steven Lawrence Hill. Russ was preceded in death by his parents Clifford Hill, Clara (Beecher-Hill) Marudas, his step-father Nick Marudas, his step-brothers (Jim and John) and step-sister (Betty), his wife Betsy Hill, his son James Jeffrey Hill, and his great-grandchildren Jeffrey Thomas and Stanley Pike Connell. Russ is survived by his sister Dorothy (Hill) LeTourneau; son, Steven; daughters-in-law, Christine Hill , Janie Hill, and Marilyn Hill; grandchildren, Ryan and Melanie Jones, Nick and Heather (Hill) Ackman, Matt and Clara (Hill) Connell, Becky Jones and Max, Steven Hill II and Ginger, James Douglas “JD” and Grace Hill, Joseph and Karmen Hill, Nicholas Hill, and many great-grandchildren, Dorian, Kairi, Tess, Judson, Bennett, Levi, and Olivia. Russ built Mille Lacs Disposal and ran it from 1954 until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, he and Betsy enjoyed more traveling, adventures, and golfing across the country in their RV. Russ and his family were long-time members of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Milaca. He was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, Milaca Fire Department and the Milaca Area Chamber of Commerce.Russ’s contributions to family, community, and country were as valued and strong as the man himself. His faith and commitment to Jesus Christ as his Savior comforts those left behind. We are going to miss you Grandpa Russ, but we know you are surrounded by love.