R. William "Bill" Hill

R. William “Bill” Hill, 98, Grand Forks, died Friday, March 9, 2018, at 4000 Valley Square-Woodside Village. R. William Hill, the son of Roscoe and Helen (Montgomery) Hill, and stepson of Martin Lystad, was born in Grand Forks on November 2, 1919. He was raised and educated in Grand Forks, and was a 1938 graduate of Central High School. He attended the University of North Dakota, where he was active in ATO Fraternity and ROTC, receiving his commission as 2nd lieutenant. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific theatre, participating in the battles for the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, New Georgia, and Guadalcanal. He served as a combat infantry officer and was honorably discharged as a captain. Bill Hill and Ruth McDonald were united in marriage on April 11, 1944, in Grand Forks, and were one of the longest married couples in the state. Bill was employed by McDonald’s Clothing in Grand Forks until he retired as vice president. Bill was an amazing woodcarver and craftsman. He enjoyed gardening and spending summers at Maple Lake. He loved holidays, especially the Fourth of July and Christmas. He was especially proud of his eight children. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, Grand Forks; children, William, of Fargo, Richard (Elsie), Grand Forks, Robert (Marjorie), West Fargo, James (Charlotte), Bismarck, Thomas (Kathleen), Grand Forks, Stephen (Jane), West Fargo, Ruth (Anthony) Malaktaris, Bismarck, and Timothy (Angela), Kindred; 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Stuart McDonald, Loveland, Colorado. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018, in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 520 5th Ave. North, Grand Forks, with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be later in the spring, with Military Honors, in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks. The family prefers memorials to St. Michael’s Catholic Church Bridge Builders. Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, is in charge of arrangements.