07/07/2025
Jeffrey Lee Hill, 57, of Goodfield, IL, walked into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home. He was born August 7, 1967 in Peoria to Ralph and Joan Bourscheidt Hill. He married Barbara Sauder on February 18, 1998 in Sarasota, FL. She cherishes the memories of her best friend and the love of her life.
Jeff loved the Lord and his family, without fail. He was a beloved husband, who tenderly supported his wife Barbara. He encouraged her with flowers, built a garden pond on their deck, made her favorite meals and cared for her in so many ways. Most of all, he was a faithful, loving presence for her during difficult times, and would support her with a hug, taking her hand and saying “It’s going to be ok and we are with you.” Jeff lived out his love for Barbara in so many ways and was a gift from the Lord in her life.
Jeff was also a devoted “Pappa” and poured out love on his children. He had a gift of bringing laughter and joy to the family through creative jokes. He told made-up stories about “Penelope Pitstop” and embellished them with voices; he also made funny videos incorporating stuffed animals, personalized for each family member. There are memories of him putting on a monkey mask and jumping out to surprise them, and many memories of funny nicknames and jokes.
Jeff also really wanted to know and be present for his kids in tangible ways. He purchased special Christmas ornaments for them each year that reflected their interests, took them out for one-on-one birthday outings, and wrote special notes of encouragement. He took time to play with them outside in the pool and on hikes in the woods, watched movies with his family such as “It’s a Wonderful Life”, helped with homework or computer issues, attended daddy-daughter dances with his girls, took Nate to watch the Peoria Chiefs, and stood beside Josh as he gave his graduation speech. Jeff always took the time to tuck each child in bed. He was someone his family could always depend on and will be greatly missed.
Jeff was a kind soul and always had a smile on his face. He loved the verse “The joy of the Lord is my strength”, and out of the Lord’s strength, he loved people through his servant’s heart. In addition to his tender care for his family, ministry was important to him, and he worked for many years at a Christian radio station, helping broadcast truth over the airwaves. Jeff also worked at Newcastle Bible Church in Mackinaw, IL, helping with their children’s after-school program, the Good Thrifts store and with janitorial services. He also volunteered his gifts at the soundboard and loved helping to mix music. All of these things were more than work for Jeff; it was a way to bring glory to God through serving.
Jeff was a man of faith for a long time. From a young age, he had been drawn to the Lord and had a strong relationship with the Lord. He led his family in devotions, often incorporating some of his favorite worship songs. Jeff’s life was hard at times, but he knew that joy and strength were found in knowing the Lord, and helping his family hold tight to that truth mattered to him. Now, he is seeing and experiencing the Lord fully, and his joy is complete. His family clings to the reality that the Lord is still good, even in this, and that this is not the end of the story. Someday, they will see him again, and all will be made new. Jeff leaves behind his wife Barbara and his children, Victoria Hill, Joshua Hill, Nathaneal Hill, and Lillia Hill; two brothers, Ralph Hill and Bruce Hill; two sisters, Cindy Gregory and Mary Rath; one aunt, Carol Vogel; mother-in-law, Vicki Sauder. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Dr. Steven Sauder.
His funeral will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Pastor Josh Ge**er will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in New Castle Bible Church Cemetery. Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Jeffrey Lee Hill Memorial Fund established at Goodfield State Bank. Funds will be used for the continued care of the family he loved so well.
Share memories & support the family