August 11, 1936 – October 27, 2025
John A. Hill, 89, of Forest City, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, at home under hospice care surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 3, 2025, at United Methodist Church, 305 South Clark Street, Forest City, with Pastor Les Green officiating.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Schott Funeral Home, 505 North Clark St, Forest City, IA 50436, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday morning.
Burial will take place in Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, IA.
John A. Hill was born on August 11, 1936 to parents Rudd and Adele (Hickey) Hill at the Forest City Hospital in Forest City, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at United (Immanuel) Lutheran Church and graduated from Forest City High School in 1954.
On April 2, 1955 he was united in marriage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, IA to Sharon Sprau. To this union, three daughters were born: Roxanne, Laurie, and Carrie. During John & Sharon’s marriage, they spent most of their time riding, raising, and showing American Saddle Bred horses. He had a true love for horses.
On May 27, 1987 he married Deanna Book. She had a daughter, Cindy, who became his stepdaughter with this marriage. He and Deanna enjoyed trips to the North Shore of Minnesota and long walks together. Together they made Forest City their home and he played a major role in the growth of Forest City by building and remodeling over 50 homes. John was also an active member of the Forest City United Methodist Church.
John was a carpenter, plaster, and a bricklayer for 69 years, from 1955 to 2024. He also had a deep love and talent for making and repairing violins, which he did for many years. He could often be found in the front window of his shop, working on custom furniture pieces or his violins. John enjoyed a good book and a cup of black coffee, and was never too busy for a chat with a friend! He also loved gardening- roses in particular.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna; daughters, Laurie (Robert) Viaene and Carrie (Bruce) Bruckhoff; stepdaughter, Cindy (Steve) Peterson; grandchildren, Jason (Jessica) Bruckhoff, Josh (Jessica) Bruckhoff, Jenna Bruckhoff (Alex Yohn), Jennie Melby, Phillip Melby, Ryan (Tara) Viaene, Jessica (Shawn) Lalemon, Rob Viaene (Lacy Rohlik), Drew Peterson, Quinten Peterson, and Ali (Alec) Sundermann; great-grandchildren, Carter, Alivia, & Connor Bruckhoff, Jonathan Roisen, Milo & Meadow Yohn, Austin Leppert, Paige Viaene, Isabella Lalemon, Carson & Corbin Viaene, Lane Goebel (fiancé Morgan Rud), and Weston & Rory Sundermann; siblings, Judy Terry and Dave Hill; brother and sister in laws, Ralphene & David Stokke, Jeannie & Steve Lahey, Steve & Carolyn Chodur, Gary & Deb Chodur, and Judy & Mike Gouge; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones and friends who will miss John deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudd and Adele Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne & Brad Melby; siblings, Eleanor Lovik, Bev Narveson, and Rod Hill; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn & Mark Kaiser; and grandson, Parker Viaene.
schottfuneralhomes.com