Robert ‘Bob’ Hill

Robert “Bob” J. Hill died from AML at his home in Caledonia, MN, July 20, 2022. He was born February 24, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two sons, Robert Jr. of Minneapolis and Jeffrey/Michelle of Mahtomedi; daughter,  Julie/Darin Pellegrino of Pittsford, NY; grandchildren, Maddie Alcon, Joshua and Justine Hill and Aidan, Anna and Arik Pellegrino; brother, Arnold/Shirley; sister, Mary/Steve Reiland, and many nieces and nephews.

As a youth, Bob loved spending summers at Grindstone Lake near Hayward, WI, with his mom, brother and sister. His dad would come up for long weekends. When the boys were older, they ran a resort, learning costs, management, cleaning and laundry. They took their guests water-skiing and for boat rides. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1960. He went on to college at Winona State and graduated with a business degree in 1964. He got married that June to Patricia Ann Solum. He took his first job at Warner Hardware as a trainee and grew into management. His next big job was assistant personal director for Northwestern Refinery, which started the fuel stations, SuperAmerica. He traveled the Midwest hiring station managers. He held other jobs in Minneapolis, but Worthington, MN, became home when he was hired by the county as a personal director. After a few years at the county, Bob started working for Bedford Industries until his retirement in 2004. He held the position of personal director and then later plastic lumber sales and lastly twist-tie sales.

Bob held many public positions throughout his time in Worthington: Hospital Board, Kiwanis Club, president of First Lutheran Church and men’s league golf at the Worthington Country Club. He and his wife were church youth group leaders. As a family, they camped, hiked, spent time on Grindstone Lake and in Spring Grove.

After his final move to Caledonia, MN, the Boathouse on Lawrence Lake was their main source of entertainment and comfort.

Bob was well loved by everyone who met him. His twinkling eyes and warm welcoming smile made everyone feel instantly comfortable. He was a mean margarita maker and enjoyed his craft beer, “It’s noon somewhere,” he would say.

A memorial service will be at noon Saturday, August 20, at Zion Church in Brownsville, MN. Friends may call at the church from 11:30 a.m. Saturday until the time of services. A celebration of Bob’s life and luncheon will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.