BARBARA HILL

Barbara J. Hill, of Neenah, age 87, died Thursday, March 19, 2015. She was born on April 11, 1927 in Neenah, to Chris and Marie (Hansen) Jersild. Barbara graduated as Valedictorian from Neenah High School in June of 1945 and felt a great closeness to the members of that class. In 1949 Barbara graduated with honors from The University of Wisconsin-Madison where she was affiliated with Alpha Chi Omega and Zeta Phi Eta, professional speech sorority. Barbara married Joseph R. Hill and the couple lived in Milwaukee, Downers Grove, IL; Green Bay and Chicago, IL, before retiring in Neenah in 1992. While living in Green Bay Barbara hosted "The Barbara Hill Show" on WBAY-TV from 1965-1975. Throughout the years Barbara was involved in many organizations. Church groups and book clubs were her favorites. She was active in volunteering at the Neenah Library and Double Portion at St. Thomas Church where she was a member. Barbara is survived by a daughter, Julie (Scott) Vowinkel, Mount Prospect, IL; two sons: James (Elena) Hill, Washington D.C., Peter Hill, Los Angeles, CA; four beloved grandchildren: Daniel (Christina) Vowinkel, Rebecca Vowinkel, Emily Hill and Abigail Hill. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Bettie Hill, as well as, nieces and nephews: Cynthia Harwood, Robert Thom, Christopher Hill, Betsy Hill, Gilbert T. Hill, Christopher Jersild, Carrie Edwards, Anne Keepers and Mark Jersild. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Hill; her brother, James Jersild; a sister, Christie Thom; brothers-in-law, Robert Thom Sr. and Gilbert Hill; and a sister-in-law, Lynn Jersild. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at 4:00 PM, at St. Thomas Church, 225 Washington St., Menasha, with Fr. Ralph Osborne officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 3:00 PM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund had been established for the Neenah Public Library. The family would like to thank the staffs of Island Shores Retirement Center, Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center and Theda Clark Medical Center for their loving care of Barbara this past year.