Obituary of Earl Hill Jr.

Earl Hill Jr. was born on June 13, 1949 in Monroe, Michigan. He was the eldest of two children born to Earl and Opal (Wyremen) Hill Sr. Earl graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1968. He served his country in the United States Army from early 1969 to late 1970 and was stationed in Vietnam. Earl later continued his education at the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus, where he studied business and finance, earning an Associate’s Degree. A proud member of the Pipefitters Union Local 671 and the United Auto Workers, Earl was employed as a journeyman pipefitter at Ford Motor Company for nearly thirty years.

Earl had an interest in computers and technology, always investing in the latest gadgets. He greatly enjoyed boating and being near the water. He led an extremely active lifestyle, playing tennis, biking, and practicing his Salsa dancing moves on his in-home dance floor. More than anything else, Earl loved to ski. He hit the slopes from Vale, Colorado to the snowy mountaintops of the Czech Republic. Earl’s travels also brought him to other parts of Europe, including Germany, as well as the Philippines and Africa where he went on a safari, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.

Earl never showed up to someone’s home for a visit without a bouquet of flowers in hand. This was often accompanied by a bottle of his favorite red wine to share. Earl never left anyone wondering what he was thinking. His fun and vibrant personality lifted spirits. Earl deeply loved his son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed every minute and lived life to the fullest.

Following a life full of love and adventure, Earl Hill Jr., age 74, of Westland, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Friday; May 31, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents.  

To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: Brett Hill of Westland; three grandchildren: Nicolette Hill, Cody (Elizabeth) Hill, and Zachary Hill; four great grandchildren: Layla Belcher, Roman Hill, Silas Hill, and Penelope Hill; a sister: Mary Rugila of LaSalle, Michigan; a nephew: Andrew (Angela) Budzios; two nieces: Kelly Trainor (Andrew Shaw) and Jennifer Budzios (Robert Lee); nine great nieces and nephews; and his significant other of several years: Kathleen Heffner of Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Friends may gather on Wednesday; June 5, 2024, from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Earl’s Life will be held at Merkle’s on Thursday; June 6, 2024 at 11:30am followed by a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for entombment.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.