Hills, Ronald James (1942-2025)

HILLS, SCHMIDT, HAHN, GREENWOOD, SHAFFER, EHRLICH, GUYER, CRILLY, PIERSON, RIECK, DREWELOW

Posted By: Connie L. Ellis (email)
Date: 9/7/2025 at 18:28:31

SOURCE: THE UNION Fayette County, Iowa newspaper,
West Union, Iowa
Contributor: Connie L. Ellis (not related)

Ronald "Ronnie" James Hills, 82, of Elgin, Iowa passed away August 7, 2025. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the backyard of his home in Elgin. A gathering followed the outdoor service where stories, memories, and food was shared. Iowa Cremation assisted the family during their time of need.
Ronald was born on December 26, 1942 in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Bill and Betty (Schmidt) Hills. He graduated from the Tripoli High School in 1961. Ronnie served his country in the US Navy from 1960 - 1966. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Hahn on April 4, 1965 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Frederika, Iowa. Ronnie worked as a mechanic at Torkelson Motors for 49 1/2 years. He enjoyed the outdoors with friends and family while having coffee on the deck. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a love for gardening. He took pride in canning the produce from his garden and making Christmas goodies to share with family and friends. Ronnie was willing to give a helping hand in the community when needed. He was a member of the Elgin American Legion Post 352. Ronnie was also a member of the Elgin Fire Department and Ambulance Crew for 42 years. He served as the Fire Chief for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn of Elgin: four children Todd (Marlene) Hills of Waukon, Iowa, Brenda (Tim) Greenwood of Farley, Iowa, Kristi (Eric) Shaffer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Reece (Christine) Hills of Erie, Pennsylvania. There are 13 grandchildren: Joshua Hills, Jeremy Hills, Whitney Ehrlich, Wade Guyer, Wyatt Guyer, Jovi Hills, Kinzi Crilly, Addison Crilly, Payzlee Shaffer, Vanessa Pierson, Miles Hills, Emma Hills, and Tenly Hills. There are 12 great-grandchildren; his sister Linda (Gary) Rieck of Tripoli. In-laws include: Carol Drewelow, New Hampton, Iowa, Barb Hahn of Center Point, Iowa, Steve (Jana) Hahn of Tripoli, and several nieces and nephews.