Theodore Harold Hill

Theodore Harold “Ted” Hill left us to join our Heavenly Father on December 27, 2024. He was born November 12, 1941 in Gopher, South Dakota to Eva Rosella (Berkley) and Harvey Hill. He was one of twelve siblings, born the 9th of the 12. He grew up in Gopher, SD and attended high school in Isabel, SD. Ted married Zelma Mae Austin on September 6, 1959 in Timberlake, SD. Together they had 4 children, Kaye, Angela, Brenda, and Theodore “Teddy” Hill.

Ted started his career doing welding, roustabout and working drilling rigs. He then started his own company, T&Z Backhoe Service and during this time lived in Gillette, WY. During his career, he was an equipment operator, mechanic, welder, roustabout, and really a “Jack of all trades”

He retired from work and moved to Nisland, SD to enjoy retirement as a farmer/rancher. During this time he harvested hay, wheat and even tried his hand at ranching sheep. After realizing this was not much of a “retirement” he moved to Java, SD in 2023 where he and Zelma lived until his passing.

Ted was a great singer and enjoyed playing his guitar, violin, piano, and harmonica. His musical abilities were all self-taught, and brought him great enjoyment. 

He enjoyed fishing and storytelling. He was mesmerized by the fact that he grew up only riding horses, to being able to buy his first automobile and then seeing battery operated vehicles that did not need any gasoline. 

Ted was very active with and proud of his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. Being concerned about their needs over his, he was always willing to sacrifice what was needed to ensure they all never went without. 

Ted is survived by his wife, Zelma of 65 years, sister Rachel Rosenau, his daughters Kaye Bangsund of Rapid City, SD; Angela Hill of Gillette, WY; Brenda (Randy) Elliott of Gillette, WY and son Teddy (Kim) Hill of Douglas, WY; Jacy Hill of Gillette, WY, grandchildren Laurie Lechler, Shauna Bangsund, Christopher Bangsund, Heather (Jessie) Weeg, Maygen (Nathan) Fulton, Tanya (Dustin) Harden, Natasha (Brad) Watkins, Mattie (Gage) Remley, Chance Hill, Jacob Hill, Jeffery Hill, and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Rose and Harvey; sisters Irene, Dorthy, Shirley, Darlene and Lorretta; brothers Jim, Jessie, Lester, Richard, and Clarence; grandchildren Ron Wertz, Bill Hutton, and Tyler Hill.

As loving husband, father, sibling, grandfather and friend, you will be missed and forever hold a special place in our hearts. Memorials and condolence may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.