Richard "Dick" Hill

A Life Well Lived: Richard E. "Dick" Hill (May 24, 1939–July 14, 2025)

Richard E. "Dick" Hill, 86, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully July 14th, with his family by his side, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and adventure. Born in Superior, Wisconsin, Dick lived most of his life in Duluth, where he built a family, a career, and countless memories cherished by those who knew him. Dick was preceded in death by his mother Elise Hill, father John Hill, brother John Hill, sister Dorthey, and beloved Mother-in-Law Marcia Ramey. His brother Donald Hill survives.

A Patriot and a Family Man Dick’s service in the U.S. Army and National Guard shaped his character and his future. He was stationed at Camp Denali in Alaska, where he maintained unmanned aerial drones—a role that reflected his curiosity and ingenuity. But it was a fateful train ride home on leave to Minnesota that changed his life forever. On that journey, he offered an orange to a young woman named Dawn Macauley, who was returning to Minneapolis after studying at the University of Seattle and beginning her teaching career. That small gesture blossomed into 62 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

An Educator and Mentor After his military service, Dick pursued higher education on the GI Bill, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Art. Later, he obtained his Master’s in photography from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). He began his teaching career at St. Cloud Technical High School but spent the majority of it in Duluth teaching 33 years; 19 years at Woodland Junior High and 14 years at Duluth East High School. Dick believed in the potential of every student, leaving a lasting impact through his patience, creativity, and unwavering encouragement. His connection to his students was unmatched, both his sons often hearing “how cool their dad was” from friends who had Dick as teacher.

A Life of Passion and Adventure Dick loved the outdoors, sharing his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing with his sons, Doug and Jason, and relatives on Minnesota’s Iron Range. He and Dawn were steadfast supporters of their family’s pursuits, spending decades at hockey rinks, baseball fields, soccer fields, recitals, plays, concerts—first for their sons, then for their grandchildren. No distance was too far; they traveled eagerly to Minneapolis or Wausau, Wisconsin, to cheer on their loved grandchildren.

In retirement, Dick and Dawn explored the world together, visiting Hawaii, cruising the Caribbean and taking yearly visits to Dawn’s hometown of Gloucester, MA. Yet some of his greatest joys were simple: cooking elaborate meals, sharing recipes, and proudly photographing his culinary creations. Holidays were special in the Hill household, with Christmas Eve featuring prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, and asparagus with bearnaise sauce—a tradition he lovingly passed down. His sons and grandchildren inherited his passion for the kitchen, though they knew to expect unsolicited (but always welcome) “advice” from Dick as he observed their efforts.

A Man of Integrity and Wit Two qualities defined Dick: kindness and work ethic. He treated everyone—school principals, custodians, mail carriers, grocery clerks—with equal respect. “Please” and “thank you” were non-negotiable, and he lived by the motto: “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” His humor and resilience carried him through life’s challenges, including health struggles in later years. Even then, his warmth and wit made him a favorite among doctors, nurses, and caregivers.

Dick’s love of cars was legendary—he bought and sold over 50 in his lifetime, from an MG Spider and Porsche to a trusty Cadillac (and always a reliable truck or five). Yet he remained humble, valuing people over possessions.

Dick was proud of his Finnish heritage, always sharing a Happy St.Uro’s Day, on March 16th and embodied the Finnish belief of “Sumi Sisu” which translates to a uniquely Finnish term that embodies resilience, grit, determination, and courage in the face of adversity. It’s often described as a mix of perseverance, bravery, and stoic endurance.

Dick was a strong, firm and confident man who was not concerned how he was perceived by others. He operated with a strength that demonstrated his love for God and his family.

A Legacy of Love Dick is survived by his beloved Wife Dawn, Sons: Jason (Kelly) Hill, Doug (Kelly Thompson) Hill.

Grandchildren: Jordan (Jared) Whitten, Caden, (Josie) Hill, Grant Hill, Andraya Hill, Chris Hill and Brayde Hill, Daughter-in-law, Karen Hietala-Hill, Sister M’Liss (Jim) Murphy, his special furry friend Lilly Girl and and countless friends, relatives and former students who will miss his wisdom, laughter, and generous spirit.

The family of Dick would like to recognize and give a special thank you to all of his caregivers: Ecuman Hospice: Denise, Nonnie, Riza, Amber, Logan, Pastor Bruce; Mount Royal Pines Assisted Living: Missy, Natalie O., Natalie E, Anna, Isaac, Joan, Katie, Michelle, Denise, Mariyah, Hannah, Madison, Marit, Teya, Elasa, Kalli, Kaitlyn, Peyton, Annika; Assisted Living Locators: Kailee Olson; St. Luke’s ED and ICU Doctors and Nurses, and Dr. Lunstrom who provided him with unwavering care, compassion and dignity in the toughest of times.

Visitation will be held on Monday July 21, 2025 from 5PM to 7PM with a 6:30PM Wake Service in Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. Private family burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials are prefered to the donors choice in Richards name.