Stephen C. Hill, age 77, of Dalbo died unexpectedly August 6, 2024 at home. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Monday, August 12th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge.
Stephen Charles Hill was born July 15, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Charles and Jane (Kubelsky) Hill. He attended Prosser Vocational High School in Chicago and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education at Bemidji State University. Stephen later earned a Master’s Degree in education at St. Thomas University.
In 1968 Steve met Peg Gerten while attending Bemidji State. They married on August 22, 1970 and made their home in the Cambridge area. Steve and Peg went on to have three children, Kristin, Sara, and Joe.
Steve began his career in education at the Cambridge State Hospital, in the CADRE program, working with students with special needs for 11 years. While working in Cambridge he was a football coach and scout with George Larson. He was then employed by the St. Francis School District for the remainder of his career as a special ed and phy ed teacher. In addition, he coached football at the St. Francis Middle School.
Steve enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and spending time with his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His favorite place to be was up north. He and his family spent over 30 years vacationing in the Walker/Bemidji area. Steve and Peg had extensive travels together with Alaska being his favorite trip. Most recently, they became snowbirds and spent the last couple winters in Florida with family, which he totally enjoyed.
Steve will always be remembered for his personable nature, unique sense of humor, practical jokes and variety of facial expressions. Wherever he went, he always took the time to get to know people. He enjoyed visiting, telling stories, and laughing at his own jokes. He was always goofing around. Steve was a big teddy bear with a huge heart and great smile that will be missed by all.
Steve died unexpectedly at the age of 77 on August 6, 2024 while at home surrounded by his family.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Peg; three children, Kristin Hill, Sara (Erick) Sjodin, and Joe Hill (Jerady Olson); 7 grandchildren, Samantha, Grayson, Hayden, Connor, Griffin, Emma and Taitum; and by many other relatives and friends.
Mr Hill was one of my 7th grade football couch he was a great man to our team.
I was a co-worker of Steve’s. He was always a caring man filled with humor and personality. His energy will really be missed in this world. Wishing his family strength and love. xo
I have a lifetime of memories and wouldn’t know where to begin. To Peg, Kris, Sara, Joe , and all the awesome “kids” I’m beyond sad for your loss. Steve was king of jokes and “funny” faces. His last text to me was a picture of the dog growling. He said that was because he thought I was coming for a visit. And of course he sent the same text to my sister but changed the name!! Only Steve! I’ll miss him forever. Here for anything you need. Love all of you.
I am one of the CADRE group that started our SPECIAL ED careers at the Cambridge State hospital in 1972-73. We were a group of pioneers who were at the beginning of the Public School services that now have exploded to cover many, many special needs students. We started with very little knowledge of special methods. They were nonexistent at the time. But with a group effort of working together, learning together, and developing programs for this population, we had a lot of success. We had a rare ability to cooperate and work together without egos to create success. At the top of this was Steve. He was our emotional leader, providing humor and caring for the whole team. We could not have done it without him. He was our leader, our cheerleader, and provider of support when we would have very difficult days. He was also such a role model for what a husband and father should be. His love for Peg was obvious from the day I met him. He was very devoted to her and their love was inspirational. Then the children were born and his love for them was the same. His family was the most important thing in his life. There is a group of us who has stayed in touch for 50 years. He was always the highlight of our monthly lunches we started since our retirements. The love he had for everyone was always felt. His humor kept us laughing for decades. We could write a book filled with his funny and silly antics, and maybe we will write that. No one can replace him. He was one of a kind. To say we will miss him is a huge understatement. We will miss him forever, but he will always be with us. I am so sad for his family, but know that like his friends the memories will last forever. To dear Peg, we love you so much and offer any support you might need. To his dear children and grandchildren we send our love.
Jean Savelkoul, friend
Steve was my husband, Dave’s, best friend growing up in Chicago. Not only did they live next door to each other once but twice. Once on St Louis & the other on Irving Pk. We were fortunate enough to have visited with Steve shortly before Dave passed in MN. Then again when Steve & Peggy came down to visit family in Chicago. He will be missed. He was a very happy go lucky kind of guy! He was such a family man. Our deepest sympathy to Peggy & the rest of the family!!
I love seeing that smiling picture of Steve. His big heart and personality will always be his legacy. Love you big guy❤️
Steve gave the best hugs! When you were hugged by him, you felt the love filling your body, and knowing it was just for you at that moment! Our hearts are broken for the loss of this great friend!
Take good care of yourselves family, it’s a journey.
To Peg, Kristin, Sara, Joe, and Family:
The Salo family is saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. I first met Steve at a coach’s meeting during the start of a football season in the 1970s. We coached middle school football together and were on the same scouting team. Steve represents what “authentic camaraderie/friendship” is all about. I am reminded of a book I once read “Remember Now . . .” written by Walter Dudley Cavert that envelope the qualities of friendship. One quote that I remember is “The most enriching friendships are those that are created naturally. Life’s highest values are discovered through genuine caring.” I believe this quotation clearly describes Steven Charles Hill’s friendship, a “natural.”
Our scouting team developed an everlasting bond. As soon as we stepped into our school scouting car, we were in a good mood. We started laughing before we even said anything. The new stories and old jokes were continual. We set off into the scouting sunset to all corners of the state, reaching the “Friday Night Lights” of football. We enjoyed Steve’s stories of “Da Bears” (Chicago) and “Bemidge” (Bemidji State University). One ritual we formed was the creation of the “Cheeseburger Award.” Occasionally, we would stop at a fast food restaurant and order cheeseburgers on our scouting trip. We would jokingly ask for “two cheeseburgers without the cheese!” Memories are forever. Our scouting team was thrilled in being part of the Bluejacket football program.
Thank you Steve, for being a remarkable educator, coach, and friend. Blessings to the Hill Family,
Robert J. Salo
We love you Uncle Steve and will miss you. You touched countless lives through education and being a father and grandfather. We will miss you. I. Your honor, just this once, GO BEARS.
I worked with Steve at Crossroads school in St Francis, he was respected by his students( an extremely difficult task at that school) He was a warm positive influence to staff and students. My sympathies to his family.
I met Steve in 1975 when I started working at Cambridge State Hospital. Our connection started with our work with Special Olympics. I can honestly say that Steve was the funniest person I have ever known. I could not wait to go with him to Special Olympics meetings and events around the state. He treated everyone with Dignity and respect and was loved by the athletes and his co-workers. May you rest in peace Steve! I’m sure everyone up there is laughing at your incredible sense of humor!