Ricky Hill

Ricky L. Hill, age 61, of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 14, 1965, the son of Raymond Sr. and Doris (Dalton) Hill.

Ricky was raised in the Shullsburg area and spent his life surrounded by the family, friends, and community he loved so dearly. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karla Elgin, on September 6, 1985, at Our Lady of Hope in Seymour, Wisconsin. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, laughter, family, and countless cherished memories.

Throughout his working years, Ricky made cheese, worked alongside his dad and brothers at the foundry, was employed at Kuhn North America, and most recently worked at Rite-Hite in Dubuque, Iowa, until his illness. He was a hardworking and dedicated employee who took pride in providing for his family and doing his job well. 

Ricky is survived by the love of his life, Karla; his children, Kari (Adam) Brown of Oregon, Wisconsin and Michael (Iris) Hill of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; his grandchildren: Stella, Atticus, Willow Hill and Barrett Brown. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life. He treasured every moment spent with them, and nothing brought him greater joy than being their Papa Ricky. 

He is further survived by his siblings: David (Audrey) Hill, Loretta Bevars, Arnetta (Robert) Beau, Susie (Dave) Reynolds, Ronnie (Joyce) Hill, Rose (Ray) McCoy, and Randy (Cathy) Hill; his father-in-law Raymond Elgin, in-laws, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond Hill Jr., Richard Hill, and George Hill; his mother-in-law, Eileen Elgin; three grandchildren in infancy; and many other beloved family members.

Ricky loved spending time with his family, whether playing cards around the table, sharing morning coffee with his brothers, tending to the garden, casting a fishing line, or camping and sitting around the campfire with those he loved. He was a passionate Wisconsin sports fan who proudly cheered on the Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He had a way of making every gathering brighter and every room a little livelier. His laugh was contagious, his heart was generous, and he never met a stranger.

Ricky proudly served the City of Shullsburg for 20 years as a firefighter. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or even a stranger, Ricky was always there with a smile, a joke, and a willingness to do whatever he could.

More than anything else, Ricky was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. The love he shared with his family and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed.

Through the gift of organ donation, Ricky’s family and friends were blessed with an additional 33 years with him here on earth. This precious gift of time made possible countless memories, cherished moments, and a lifetime of love that will forever remain in their hearts.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John Whalen of UnityPoint Health, Dr. Adam Burr of UW Health, and the many nurses, caregivers, and staff at UW Hospital and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness they showed Ricky throughout his journey. Their support, dedication, and comfort meant more to Ricky and his family than words can adequately express.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (344 N. Judgment Street, Shullsburg) with Fr. William F. Vernon officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthew's Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement Street, Shullsburg) with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 PM prior to the visitation on Thursday, October 22, 2026. A visitation will also be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM- 10:45 AM at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Erickson Funeral Home.