Joan E. Hill

Joan Elizabeth Hill, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 4, 2025, at Jefferson Memory Care in Jefferson, WI.

Joan was born on October 9, 1935, in Baraboo, WI, to James and Josephine McIntyre. She had a distinguished career as the owner and operator of Hill's Hotdogs in Rock Island, Illinois, where she received multiple awards and honors, including a key to the city of Rock Island. She also worked as a coat check clerk for Jumer's and Bally's Casino Quad Cities for 16 years. Joan loved working with people and often recalled fond memories of her customers from both careers.

Joan married Gene Hill on June 26,1954 in Lodi, WI. They were married for 56 years. She loved her family passionately. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she always ensured there was an abundance of delicious food, gifts for all, and a visit from Santa every year.

Joan was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be remembered for her love of family, clever sense of humor, strong work ethic, fierce independence, and her ability to grow beautiful flowers.

She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who rarely missed watching her beloved team play on television. Joan also loved horses-particularly racehorses-and, along with her husband Gene, owned and raced many throughout the years. She enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her large family. She visited nearly all 50 states, with the beaches of Florida being her favorite destination. She also traveled to Ireland, the country of her family's origin, and deeply cherished learning about her heritage.

Joan is survived by her son, Todd (Linda) Hill, and her three daughters: Lisa (Jim) Brudnicki, Deb Lincer, and Sheryl (Scott) Houston; Jane (Greg Meyer), 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Hill; her son, James Hill; her son-in-law, James Lincer; great granddaughter Sophie, her parents; her siblings; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Jefferson Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Funeral mass will take place on August 11th @ 10:00 at Annunciation Church 1820 Church Rd. Aurora, IL. Interment to follow at Marywood Cemetery.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family. www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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