Obituaries

Michael J. Hill Michael J. Hill, age 69, of Cross Plains and formerly of Spring Green, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Mike was born on April 2, 1952, in Spokane, Washington, the son of Wallace and Ruth (Swanson) Hill.  Mike was a graduate of Frontier High School in Matamoras, Ohio. Following high school, he graduated with a science education degree at UW-Whitewater.   He was married on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on October 29, 2005, to the former Lori A. Cresswell.  Mike was a dedicated teacher at River Valley High School for 42 years.  He also coached athletes in cross country for 19 years, basketball for 12 years and field and track for five years. He shared his love and respect for the Grand Canyon National Park for the past 40 years by guiding and backpacking with 500 plus people which included many River Valley High School graduates, neighbors, friends and family.  Mike was someone who mentored and inspired thousands of students through his passion of science, running and adventure. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Grand Canyon Conservancy, at grandcanyon.org Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green is assisting the family with the arrangements.