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Martin Ward Hill
Martin Ward Hill
Iowa City
Martin Ward Hill passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6th, 2024 at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.
Martin was born in Des Moines on November 22, 1940. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1958. Martin received his BS and MS in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa. As a pharmacist, he worked for UIHC, Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical, and the Iowa City VA Hospital. After retiring, Martin enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending live music events and playing piano and bassoon.
He married the love of his life, Jean Bernhard on August 17, 1962. Together they raised three loving children. Martin instilled in all three the importance of a life filled with music, compassion, and laughter.
As a child, Martin excelled at piano and was considered a child prodigy. Later in life, he renewed his high school interest in bassoon. As a bassoonist, Martin was a member of the Iowa City New Horizons Band and the Iowa City Community Band.
Those who were lucky enough to know Martin will remember him as a kind, generous soul who was always willing to listen, lend a helping hand, share a laugh, give advice and hugs.
He is survived by his spouse, Jean Hill, their three children, Dave (Jill), Dan (Yukiko), and Diane (John) and their five grandchildren, Joshua Hill, Shannon Pruitt, Terra Hill, Lucas Merchant, Emma Merchant as well as their two great grandchildren, Leo and Lucy Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruth.
A funeral service will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, where family will greet friends prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Private burial will be held at a later date. Join the family immediately following the service for a luncheon at The Kirkwood Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Iowa City New Horizon Band or First United Methodist Church in Iowa City.
Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.lensingfuneral.com.
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