Harry Hill

Harry "Barney" Robinson Hill was called by his Lord, Oct. 25, 2016. He was born June 25, 1926 in Niagara Falls, NY to Henry and Doris (Robinson) Hill.

Harry graduated from LaSalle High School, Niagara Falls, NY class of 1944. While attending high school, Harry entered a flight training course and obtained a student pilot license. Harry continued to fly for many years.

Harry and his family moved to Appleton, WI after graduation and in the fall he entered the Air Force Cadet Program. Harry was attending basic flight training in Texas when the war with Japan ended in August of 1945.

While visiting his parents' home in Neenah, WI, Harry attended a dance where he met Verdane Knaack and fell in love. Harry and Verdane were married just before Christmas, Dec. 21, 1946 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Neenah, WI. The newlyweds spent their first two years of marriage living in Chicago, IL where Harry attended and graduated from DeVry Technical Institute (1945-1947.)

After graduation, Harry and Verdane moved to Green Bay where he began his 33 year career in radio and television. Harry was chief engineer for Channel 5 television and was fundamental in setting up color T.V. towers. During his working years, Harry's flight training continued, earning a private pilot license and instrument rating. Harry was able to fly the news department members on numerous trips around the state. Harry was proud of the fact that he even flew his own plane to the Bahamas for a vacation with his wife, Verdane.

Harry also had a passion for woodworking and made quite a few pieces of furniture and also did remodeling in his home and his grandson-in-law, William "Billy" Schulz's home. During these projects, he formed a special bond with his buddy, Billy.

After retirement, Harry truly enjoyed driving a Lamers School Bus from 2001-2012 (11 years.) Harry loved his "little riders" and they endearingly referred to him as "Harry Potter" because of his first name and his glasses.

Harry was a devoted member at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, where he ushered for years. His faith and devotion was a comfort to him during his passing.

Harry spent the past 2 1/2 years visiting his wife at Bornemann Nursing Home twice a day-every day like clockwork. When Harry failed to show up at his usual times (due to illness) the staff would call one of his sons to check on him. During those visits, Harry visited with everyone there and grew to know their families. He considered the staff and the residents his "friends."

While Harry was in the hospital, he received a "get well" card from Bornemann's with over 40 signatures. He knew everyone that signed it. It touched him deeply. Harry was a very devoted man to his faith, wife, children, family and friends and felt very blessed to be loved in return. He will be deeply missed.

Harry is survived by his wife, Verdane "Vicki," residing at Bornemann Nursing Home, Green Bay; 3 sons: Gary (Elizabeth "Betty") Hill, Hobart, WI, Gregory Hill, Denver, CO and Bradley Hill, Chicago, IL; 6 grandchildren: Carrie (William) Schulz, Green Bay, WI, Chadwick (Peta) Hill, Brisbane, Australia, Abbey Hill, Green Bay, WI, Adam (Taylor) Hill, Chicago, IL, Tyler and Kyle Hill, Denver, CO; 3 great-granddaughters: Olivia E. and Ava G. Schulz, Green Bay, WI and Riley E. Hill, Chicago, IL; a niece, Jennifer Hill Shepherd, Harrison, AR and 2 nephews, Daniel Hill, Mountain, AR and Matthew Hill, Harrison, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Edward Hill; 2 nephews, Mark and John Hill; father and mother-in-law, Erwin and Harriet (Meltz) Knaack and many other dear relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay), Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 from 10 AM to 12 NOON. A funeral service will follow at 12 NOON with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations to Grace Lutheran Church in Harry's name are appreciated.

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