Robert A. Hills

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3rd from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Rd in Gurnee, IL. A funeral service will be held on Friday. September 4th at 10:00 AM at Marsh Funeral Home, followed by interment at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.

Rob was born on October 22, 1979, to Roger Alan and Margaret Ann (née Walker) Hills in Pontiac, Michigan. He grew up in Sylvan Lake and was a proud graduate of Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory High School and later Albion College, where he continued playing football and built many lifelong friendships.

Above all else, Rob was devoted to his family. He looked up to his older brother, Mike, always calling him whether it was to get input about which fishing line to buy for their Arkansas trips or asking how to fix something around the house. He had an unwavering bond with his twin brother, Tom, including their own mumbled twin talk. Years later, learning they were actually identical twins, it was no wonder they never got caught taking a class or test for each other. Rob was the greatest definition of a mama’s boy. His mom meant the world to him and was often the proud recipient of several calls a day so he could share what he ate for breakfast, lunch or dinner. His extended family was just as important and somehow everyone he would introduce you to was a cousin. Whether at the family cabin, hunting, fishing, or gathered around the table playing Euchre and Shoot the Moon, he treasured the time he spent with all family, both the Hills and the Walkers.

A loyal fan of all Michigan sports teams (team Michigan State for those that understand the rivalry), Rob also developed a love for the Chicago Cubs after moving to Chicago and living near Wrigley Field. There he became the world’s best parallel parker, spent many late nights singing Karaoke (where “life jacket Rob” came out in full force), and attending various festivals and concerts. It was near Chicago, at work, that he met the love of his life, Kelly (née Rymer). Together they built a beautiful life centered on family and love and were blessed with three wonderful children who were the pride and joy of his life. His twins, Cullen & Logan, made him a father. Cullen resembles him closely while Logan exudes his personality. When they were young, he enjoyed attending any activity they tried. He was their biggest fan and even after he was unable to attend their events, he always beamed with pride hearing the recaps of their sporting events or fishing adventures. His daughter, Amelia, had him wrapped around his finger from the very beginning. They had a bond built on sharing their favorite snacks both real and from her play kitchen. They were often caught alternating spoonfuls of ice cream together before bed.

Rob truly had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and included, often going out of his way to make sure others were comfortable and cared for or had their drink of choice in their hand. His warm heart, generous spirit, and quick sense of humor brought people together. He loved making people smile and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. Whether sharing a joke, telling a story, or leading the way to the dance floor at weddings and family gatherings, he created memories that will be treasured forever.

Rob's legacy lives on through the love he shared, the laughter he brought to others, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Rob is survived by his wife, Kelly and their children, Cullen, Logan, and Amelia; brothers Michael (Stacie) and Thomas (Gemma); mother Margaret; sisters-in-law Kimberly (Sean) Toler and Kristine (Michael Bedell) Rymer; nieces and nephews Emma, Duncan, Lilly, Hannah, Jason, Chloe, Sophie, Evan, and Bradley; Parents-in-law Steven and Therese Rymer, and many other beloved friends and relatives.

He was preceded by his father, Roger, his grandparents, and his loyal chocolate lab, Zoe.

Donations can be made in Rob’s name to the Huntington’s Disease Center of America – HDSA Michigan Chapter (https://give.hdsa.org/campaign/756456/donate).