Charles E. Hill (99), President Emeritus of RCTC in Rochester, MN and former Dean of Creston Junior College passed away peacefully in his sleep in Rochester, Minnesota at 5:45 am June 30, 2014. Charles the only son of Harland and Emma (Mickelson) Hill was born on a farm in Wright County Iowa on September 11, 1914. He married Amy (Austin) whom he met in kindergarten in Clarion, Iowa on September 2, 1939.
After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1935 and receiving his Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1938, he taught for several years in Oskaloosa at William Penn College. In 1942, Charlie moved his wife and son to Creston, Iowa to become Dean of Creston Junior College. His two daughters were born in Creston and the older two children attended Irving Elementary School and made many close childhood friends. The family enjoyed their ten years in Creston before moving to Rochester, MN in 1953 where Charles began his career as President of Rochester Community and Technical College. Charles enjoyed a full life in Rochester while building the college into an internationally known institution. He participated in many community, state and national organizations. He also took time to continue his love of singing, sports, theatre, and travel.
Charlie is survived by his wife Helen (Johnson) Hill of Rochester, and his daughters Sally (Bob) Elliott, Clear Lake, Iowa, Rebecca (Jevan Loshbough) Hill, Mason City, Iowa. He is also survived by four grandchildren and 5 great-granddaughters.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife Amy and beloved son Chuck.
At Charles’ request in lieu of flowers he would prefer donations be made to any of the three scholarships that he established: the Hill Memorial Scholarship, the Hill Music Scholarship and the Hill Theatre Scholarship at Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation, 851 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 14, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church 512 3rd Street SW Rochester, MN at 11:00 am.