RICHARD VAN HILL, age 77, of rural Leota, MN, died Monday, March 23, 2015, at his home. He was born March 10, 1938, in Scotland, SD, to Dirk and Nellie (Druyff) Van Hill.
Rich joined the Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1967 after serving six years.
He married Glenda De Jager on June 27, 1967, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN. After their marriage, the couple farmed near Valley Springs, SD. In 1969, they moved to Leota where they continued to farm until his retirement.
Rich was a professing member of the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. He was an active member of his community, serving on the church council, the DHIA board, and the Leota Christian School Board. He also coached boys' softball in Leota for many years.
Rich is survived by his wife, Glenda Van Hill, rural Leota; six children, Wendy (Jeff) VanderKooi, Marshall, MN; Amy (Rob) Westra, Boyden, IA; Paula (Terry) Homan, Appleton, WI; Rob (Kendra) Van Hill, Edgerton, MN; Sara (Clint) Walhof, Visalia, CA; and Brian (Nikki) Van Hill, Garretson, SD; sixteen grandchildren; two brothers, Gary (Carolyn) Van Hill, Zeeland, MI; and John (Joan) Van Hill, Pasco, WA; sister, Daisy (Art) Asplund, Pipestone, MN; and a brother-in-law, Sam DeJong, Orange City, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ed & Al Van Hill; and a sister, Nellie DeJong.
Rich loved spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, farming, singing and sharing morning coffee at the Leota Cafe. Rich said that music was his way of expressing his faith.  The song "He Touched Me" was one of his favorites.
Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. Funeral will be 10:30 am Friday at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. Burial will be in the Leota Community Cemetery.
The Leota Burial Association and Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, are in charge of arrangements.

---