C Doug Hill

Known for his excellent storytelling, relentless adhesion to rules, and affinity for a good punchline, C Douglas Hill will be greatly missed. Born in Albert Lea to C Daniel and Ethel Hill on October 10, 1939, C Doug spent his childhood exploring the back woods of his family’s land, working for the family business, and generally giving his parents a run for their money. Some of his early life accomplishments include saving his baby brother from drowning in the creek out back, and evading an early death when he had a close call with some dynamite. C Doug demonstrated a natural proclivity for fixing and rewiring things early on. His family recalls him once rewiring the family doorbell so he could ring it from the kitchen table. C Doug is a Graduate of Dunwoody Institute’s Electrician program and worked as an electrician for Gordon Electric. He co-owned Albert Lea Electric after which he served as Supervisor of Maintenance at Albert Lea Mayo Medical Center. (Our apologies if he had your car wheel-locked.) C Doug met his sweetheart Diane in grade school where he would present her with his gum wrappers as a token of his affection. They married in 1961 and together have two daughters: Kris Gilbertson (Husband Don) of Albert Lea, and Karen Lynn Hill of Texas. Grandchildren are Dayna Rasmussen, Noah Hill, Jessie Gilbertson, and Heather Gilbertson. He will also be missed by his sister Kay (Hill) Grotenhuis (husband Paul), brother Paul Hill (wife Judy), brother Jim Hill (wife Joann), and his buddy Duane Petterson. C Doug enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on his porch and entertaining people with his stories while sharing his famous grilled chicken or secret recipe baked beans. When telling a particularly good joke, he would get a sparkle in his trademark blue eyes. C Doug also enjoyed being in nature—going on hunting trips to Wyoming, fishing with his grandchildren, and mowing his lawn. C Doug would attend breakfast daily with fellow grumpy, old duffers. He was especially proud of his beautiful, deer-proof vegetable garden which he planned, maintained, and harvested using various machines. C Doug was highly skilled at driving anything with with a motor, particularly his skid loader. C Doug passed on August 4, 2019 surrounded by loved ones at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

On Thursday, August 8th, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, please come by and gather to share stories, memories, and friendship as we celebrate C Doug.