Gerald Ray Hill

Gerald “Jerry” R. Hill passed away on June 14, 2024, after a battle with adrenal cancer at 78. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a good friend. He was always surrounded by the love of his family and friends and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

 Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons, Brian and wife Rachel of Huntersville, NC, and Zachary of Davenport, IA; three grandchildren: Ethan, Elise, and Emersyn who lovingly called him “Papa”; and five siblings: Roseanne Norton, Barbara Olsen, Paul Hill, Kevin Hill, and David Hill. 

 Jerry was born in Clinton, Iowa on February 14, 1946, to Clyde & Harriett (Andresen) Hill. He grew up on an 80-acre farm and attended a K-12 school in Elvira, Iowa. This is where he met his wife and lifelong companion Linda Wulf of Goose Lake, Iowa. They were married at Zion Lutheran Church, in Elvira on February 18, 1967.

 He served in the U.S. Air Force & National Security Agency as a Military Intelligence Analyst and Cryptographer. His first tour of duty took him and Linda to Brindisi, Italy, where they discovered their lifelong love of exploring the world’s cultures, cuisines, and boundless adventures.

 Following his military service, Jerry was proud to become a University of Iowa Hawkeye, earning multiple degrees there, including a B.S. in Environmental Science; M.S. in Environmental Science; M.S. in Civil Engineering; and a PhD in Civil Engineering. 

 He dedicated his work-life to the Power & Energy sector. Early in his career, his remarkable work earned him a position on Ronald Reagan’s transition team. Few people know about the numerous awards and recognitions that followed. Jerry was the kind of guy who didn’t talk about his awards. He’d rather celebrate his family and friend’s accomplishments. 

 Jerry was always on the leading edge of innovative research and development. He was proud of the work he did with the Southern States Energy Board, U.S Department of Energy, NASA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Phillips Petroleum Company, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Virginia Technical Institute. He always strove to mentor others in his roles as Adjunct Professor for the University of Clemson, and President of Crescent Resource Innovation, a company he founded and then co-managed with his son Brian. Jerry continued to work, publish technical journals, and lecture throughout the world until he retired in January 2024.

 When Jerry was not working or mentoring others, he loved traveling, golf, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His favorite place, and pet DIY project, was the family cabin on Lake Pokegama in northern Minnesota, where he and his family boated, laughed, and loved each other for over 50 years. He treasured these gatherings of friends and family and the opportunity to share good food, good wine and good stories with those close to him, especially his grandchildren, who he adored. 

 At his request, and with the blessing of a grateful nation, he will be interred at the Rock Island National Cemetery later this fall.

 Jerry passed away hoping that his fight with cancer, including his participation in clinical trials, would eventually provide beneficial insights and information to conquer this terrible disease. 

 In this spirit, the family requests that we all honor Jerry, not with flowers, but with contributions, no matter how small, to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St Jude’s unwavering commitment to advance preventions and cures for pediatric diseases made them an organization that was close to Jerry’s heart.

 With any contribution using the QR code or link below, the family hopes to direct more attention and research funding to adrenal cancer, which more often affects children.

 We thank you - The Hill Family

St. Jude Link : https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?px=8428905&pg=personal&fr_id=154020&copy_link_share&copy_link_share&copy_link_share

 The St. Jude donation QR code is located in the gallery below.