Joseph "Joe" Hill

Joseph (Joe) Raymond Hill, 68, Bismarck, passed away peacefully at his home on June 6, 2026.

Joe was born December 10, 1957, in Riverton, Wyoming to Howard “Max” and Catherine (Gautier) Hill. Due to his father’s work in the oil fields, Joe moved frequently throughout Wyoming during his childhood, attending schools in Riverton and Meeteetse before graduating from Powell High School in 1976.

Following high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served for four years. After his military service, he lived in several communities in Montana before settling in Billings, where he met the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” (Brendel) Hill, while working at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. They were married on April 16, 1983.

Together, Joe and Patty welcomed three children: Caroline “Cara” Hill in March 1984, Christopher “Chris’ Hill in October 1985 and KayLynn (Hill) Yacovetta in May 1987.

While living in Billings, Joe worked a variety of jobs while attending Eastern Montana College. In 1987, he began working at Stuart’s House of Vacuums, famously known for the slogan, “Where vacuums grow on poles,” where he worked until 1995. He later worked at Rimrock Pontiac Cadillac GMC until 1996, when Patty’s career brought the family to North Dakota.

In September 1996, Joe and his family moved to Mandan, Noth Dakota. He worked for J&R Vacuum & Sewing for several years before beginning a long and fulfilling career with the YMCA. There, he served as a lifeguard and swim instructor, specializing in teaching children with special needs. Joe taught swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from adaptive swim lessons to advanced swimmers. His passion for swimming touched countless lives, and he was often recognized around the community by former students whose lives he had impacted.

Joe’s love for sports extended far beyond the pool. He participated in the Prairie Rose State Games, competing in swimming, cycling and triathlons. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching and discussing any sport imaginable.

Music was another of Joe’s passions. He loved all genres but especially enjoyed 1970’s and 1980’s hard rock, along with classical music. He particularly enjoyed tormenting his family by playing classical music during long road trips.

He was an animal lover (of all animals) and his 4 dogs will miss him greatly as well (Griffin, Sami, Java and Coco).

Joe will be remembered for his goofy expressions, quick wit, and endless supply of dad jokes. His children’s friends always knew they had earned his approval when he asked, “Does your face hurt? Because it’s killing me.”

Above all else, Joe cherished spending time with his grandchildren. He proudly taught his granddaughters to swim, introducing both of them to the water at just six months old. He loved family trips to Medora and rarely missed an opportunity to attend their activities, sporting events and school functions.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Catherine Hill; siblings, Nancy Hill, Max Hill, and his twin sister, Martha Hill; in-laws, Paul and Caroline (Schlosser) Brendel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Patty Hill of Bismarck; his children, Cara Hill of Mandan, Chris Hill of Bismarck and KayLynn (Fred) Yacovetta of Mandan; grandchildren, Rhyana Hill, Peyton Schulz and Isaac Hill; sister, Sharon (Hill) Seekins of Brooksville, FL; siblings-in-law, Kenny (Carol) Brendel, John (Vicki) Brendel, Frank (JoLynn) Brendel, Donald (Cate) Brendel, Dorothy (Allen) Wald, David (Stacey) Brendel and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews throughout the country.

Joe’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the swimming community and the many families he coached and worked with over the years. Your friendship, encouragement, and support enriched his life and brought him great pride and happiness. Thank you for the love you have shown him and our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the YMCA Joe Hill Ripple Effect Fund.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 2:00 PM at Church of St. Joseph, Mandan. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10 at the Bismarck Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on Friday, June 12 at 10:00 AM.