Walter L. Hill

Walter L. Hill obituary

Walter L. Hill

Walter Hill Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2016.
Hill, Walter L. 8/5/1926 - 3/19/2016 Sparta Walter (Walt) Lloyd Hill of Sparta, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Walt's life was rooted in the apple industry, namely, Hill Brothers Orchards where he and his brother devoted themselves to their orchards and producing the best cider West Michigan has ever tasted. When not in the orchards, it was a safe bet that Walt was discussing farming with family and friends; reading; or watching the Detroit Tigers. Walt was born in Sparta on August 5, 1926. After high school, he served in the National Guard for nine years, all of which time he also worked on the family farm. He remained active in his home town as a member of the Sparta Lions Club and on the boards of Choice One Bank, Jack Brown Produce, and MACMA Apple Division. A member of the "Greatest Generation," Walt loved to tell stories from his life as a farmer, husband, father and grandfather. He possessed a charismatic laugh and an ability to recall details of stories from a life well lived. He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Edith (Jacobs) Hill and his brother Roland Hill. Walt is survived by his loving wife Joan (Usher) of 62 years; his three children Judy and Craig VanDriel, Jim and Arlene Hill, and Jacqueline and Don Debski; his nine grandchildren Kelly (Kevin) Pitzer, Andrea (Brian) Bastic, Chase (Courtney) VanDriel, Jordan VanDriel, Sandy Hill, Kristy (Jason) Vogel, Jeannie (Ken) Sokolowski, Carrie (Cameron) Kutzli, and Sarah (Nick) Rasch; 16 great grandchildren; as well as his brother and sister-in-law Alvin and Janet Hill, his sister-in-law Marian Hill, and several nieces and nephews. Walt's family would like to share those stories with friends and family on Tuesday, March 22 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1225 12 Mile Rd. NW from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Wednesday, March 23 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Bryan Schneider-Thomas officiating. Interment in Alpine Center Cemetery, 7 Mile at Walker Ave. Memorial contributions in Walt's honor may be made to the Sparta Lions Club or the American Heart Association. www.hesselcheslek.com

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March 23, 2016

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March 23, 2016

Clarence Schumaker posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2016

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March 23, 2016

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Hill family. Mr. Hill was a great friend to my family. We all have great memories of him and the family farm. My prayers go out to all of you.

Bobbi Fairchild (Stewart)
Peoria Arizona

Clarence Schumaker

March 23, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Hill family for the loss of Walt. I first meet Walt and Squirt when they purchased the orchard in New Salem. I enjoyed the times when Walt would bring his equipment to my farm for repair, sometimes several times in a day. I also enjoyed his annual visits when he came bearing gifts of cider and apples. I had a nice visit with him in August at my son's anniversary party. Walt was a great guy and will be dearly missed by many. May he rest in peace.

March 23, 2016

Dear Hill Family,
I adored your father, and so did my Dad. My fondest menories of him were around our kirchen table. They always had beer, potato chips and great conversations after going to the "SPA!" Daddy respected him and always looked forward to their get togethers. I hope they are together once again; there is a lot to get caught up on! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wonderful guy and the apple community has lost a great member.
Sincerely,
Gay Ebers-Franckowiak Big Sky, Montana

Janet Rasch

March 22, 2016

Ron and I send our deepest sympathy to the Hill family at the loss of their father. I always enjoyed the stories Walt told. Rest in peace Walt! I will make a couple cherry pies for you Walt for the luncheon❤

Ken ploeg

March 22, 2016

My sympathy to the Hill family. I enjoyed doing business with Walt, Alvin and Lloyd at our Ford dealership in Rockford.

Elizabeth Gilman

March 22, 2016

I always enjoyed your humor on Fridays. A life well lived Walt you will be missed and fondly remembered

Stephen Brehe

March 22, 2016

I have many wonderful memories of Walt (and Joan of course) during my time at St. Matthews in Sparta. Rest in peace, good friend.

Babara Claxton

March 22, 2016

Will miss the man that delivered eggs to us in Sparta many years ago. I will miss seeing him at McDonald's on Friday. when I get home from Florida this Saturday!!!

March 22, 2016

Sorry to hear about our old egg delivery man!! I will be getting home from Florida this Saturday so will miss seeing him! Barb Claxton

Brinda Host

March 21, 2016

Judy, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad. I understand how you feel.Sending Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

American Heart Association

March 21, 2016

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Barbara Rae

March 21, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss! I'm glad Mom and I got to visit with him and Joan last time we were in Michigan.

March 21, 2016

Dear Judy,Jim, and Jackie and families. Donny called me Sat. To tell us of the passing of your Dad. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Walts humor ,stories and witt. He was a great person to know. A good friend too Tigergames won't be the same without your Dad and Uncle Gene!!! Peggy and Bob Rasch.

Victor and Janet Bassett

March 21, 2016

For many years Walt joined us at coffee. He always enjoyed a joke so we hid his car a few times We all got a good laugh. A friendly, great guy we will miss him.

March 21, 2016

Today I am deeply saddened to have lost a dear friend to me. Walt Hill was one of a kind. I will miss him greatly. From him teasing me about the market to sharing a cup of coffee, or to talking baseball....you were so loved by many.

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North Ridge Funeral Home (formerly Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home)

88 E Division St PO Box 427, Sparta, MI 49345

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Sign Walter Hill's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 23, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2016

Clarence Schumaker posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.