Donald F. Hills

Donald F. Hills, age 85, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Manor Care, Kenosha, WI. Donald was born in Racine on January 18, 1926, son of the late Francis and Matilda Hills.

Donald attended Holy Name Catholic School and St. Catherine’s High School but never graduated with his class, as he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 16. However, at age 76 Don received his diploma from St. Catherine’s at a special assembly for veterans. At Great Lakes he became a corpsman and ultimately went to San Diego attached to the Marine Corps. During his deployment to Bougainville in the South Pacific he saw a lot of action putting his expertise to work. After serving in the Pacific, he went to Germany during the Occupation.

After returning home he worked at American Motors in Kenosha in the aircraft division as an inspector. He also worked for his father, who owned Lee Dolf’s and later Kappus Bakery and Peter C. Beck Company. On October 2, 1954, in Elkhorn, WI, he was united in marriage to Vera Pahlke and adopted Vera’s son, Mark. Don was a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, and the VFW Post 1391.

Don’s real passion was for the veterans and he worked diligently with the VFW, promoting its programs. He was Post Commander of VFW Post 1391 three times, served on the Post Honor Guard, and was District Commander. He also served on the Credentials Committee and as State Chairman of the Community Activity and Youth Programs. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed playing golf. Before hurricane Katrina, Don and Vera would visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast to enjoy the camaraderie with friends, going to the many casinos, Mardi Gras parades, golfing, playing cards and potlucks. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Vera; his son, Michael (Pat) Hills of Racine; his daughter, Cheryl (Ray) Brasher of MS; daughter-in-law, Ruth Hills of Racine; grandson, Kris Brasher of MS; step-grandchildren, Byron Oakes, Cindy Wirtz, Brenda (Gene) Watson; sister, Vondell Kis of Racine; numerous nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Hills in 1993.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road, with Rev. Kara Baylor officiating. Interment will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Elkhorn, WI. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888