John L. Hill

John L. Hill, 84, Green Bay, went to his heavenly home, Sunday evening, December 29, 2013, while at home. Born on July 5, 1929, in Oneida, he is the son of the late Margaret Hill. John faithfully served in the US Army for 12 years, with two years as a Combat Engineer while in Korea. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargeant First Class in 1957. John married Mary “Mac” John in October of 1952 and she preceded him in death on October 14, 2003. After returning from the service, he settled in Cleveland, OH for the next 20 years where he developed his trade as a blacksmith. John returned to Oneida, where he was employed with the Oneida Housing Authority until his retirement in 1994. He was proud of the fact that he was able to celebrate 19 years of retirement. John married Betty (Duerst) DeKeyser on May 19, 2007, in Gowanda, NY. He will be remembered for his wonderful ability to tell stories and how he loved to make others laugh.

John is survived by his wife, Betty; four children, Don (Sandy) Hill of Salamanca, NY, Steve (Kristine) Hill of Oneida, Jerry Hill of Salamanca, NY, and Diane (Kevin) Shilka of DePere; step-children, Karen “Peanut” (David) Powless of Oneida, Judy Olson of Sturgeon Bay, Jane (Steve) Jorgensen of Hastings, MN, Jerry (Laurie) DeKeyser of Algoma, Joe (Anthony Funk) DeKeyser of Green Bay, and John (Marie) DeKeyser of Algoma; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Hill of Oneida; three half-sisters, Christine “Babe” Doxtator of Oneida, Yvonne Skenandore of Oneida, and Darlene (Dusty) Brickhouse of Nevada; many nieces and nephews.

Also preceded in death by sons, John Hill, Jr. and Michael Hill; two brothers, Joe Corn and Emroy “Stormy” Corn; and one sister, Betty Corn.

Visitation at MALCORE (East) Funeral Home, University Avenue at Baird Street, Wednesday, January 1, 2014, from 4-8pm. Parish wake service at 7pm Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at the funeral home with Deacon Bill Burkel officiating. Visitation continues Thursday, January 2, 2014, at Prince of Peace Church, 3425 Willow Road, from 9:30am until the time of the Mass. Funeral Mass 11am Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the church with the Rev. Daniel Viertel officiating with military honors to follow. Burial in Holy Apostles Cemetery, Oneida.