John Nelson Sill

John Nelson Sill, age 93, passed away November 27, 2023, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. John was born October 12, 1930, in Beloit, WI. He was the oldest of six children born to Arthur Vernon and Vida May (Johnson) Sill. The family lived in Durand, IL until moving to Roscoe, IL in 1946. In 1951 John joined the Army. During basic training he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then was sent to Korea where he served until the end of the war in 1953. While there he ran a bulldozer, making roads and clearing land for camps and artillery. After returning from Korea, John worked farm and construction jobs and learned to run a backhoe. He joined Operating Engineers Local 139 in 1962, and remained a proud member until his death. He continued running backhoes and other heavy equipment until his retirement in 1992. Also in 1962, John met and fell in love with Patricia Ann Drew. John and Pat were married January 25, 1963. Their son, John Raymond Sill was born in 1964. The family lived near South Beloit, IL until 1977 when they moved to Lone Rock, WI. John had many hobbies, but his favorites were gardening and woodworking. If he ever had any free time, he could be found with a pocket knife, whittling a duck or a ball in a cage. He also loved going to auctions. He has many sheds full of “treasures” that he brought home through the years. John knew how to do just about anything. He did his own electrical work, plumbing, small and large engine repair, you name it, he could do it. And he was never too busy to help any friend or neighbor who needed a hand. John was friendly and could visit with anyone. He always had a story to share about life on the farm, in the war, or on the job, and always told them with a smile on his face and laughter in his voice. His friendliness and helpfulness will be missed by all who ever met him. John is survived by Patricia, his loving wife of 60 years, his son John and wife Cathy, grandsons Matthew (Symantha) and Aaron, great grandson Maddox, four sisters – Eunice Vanlue, Leona Pickers, Arlene Schmoldt, and Margaret (Tom) Mallicoat, sister-in-law Cilla Sill, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Milton. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of services at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hillpoint, WI. Burial with military gravesite rites will be on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM by VFW Post 2306 at Floral Lawn Cemetery in South Beloit, IL. The Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center assisted the family with arrangements. Special Thanks to the staff of Harvest Guest Home, Richland Center, and St. Croix Hospice for taking care of John in his final months, to our church family at St. John’s for their support, to Clary Memorial Funeral Service for their help with funeral arrangements, and to other special friends who were always there when we needed them. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .

John Nelson Sill

October 12, 1930 - November 27, 2023