Eugene G. Hills

Eugene G. (Gene) Hills - Deceased October 1, 2025

Born February 6, 1931, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to the late Charles and Barbara (Rank) Hills. He married the late Lila Matheys (deceased 9/26/23) on July 26, 1952, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Two Rivers, WI. He graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1949.

Gene served in the U.S. Army from June 1949 to April 1953. He was a Korean War Veteran and received numerous decorations while serving with the 430th Engineer Construction Battalion, including 3 Bronze Stars. Gene’s 39-year career in Credit Unions included roles as President/CEO at EFI Employees CU (Manitowoc, WI), Banta CU (Menasha, WI), Denver Interior Employees CU (Denver, CO), John Deere CU (Waterloo, IA), and Purdue Federal CU (West Lafayette, IN). During his Credit Union career, Gene served as Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Credit Union League as well as on the board of CUNA. In 1992, he was named Indiana Credit Union Professional of the Year. In 1993/94, he was named a member of Who’s Who Worldwide. Gene also served on Jr Achievement Boards in both Iowa and Indiana.

Gene was a former member of the Purdue Alumni Association and an active member of the John Purdue Club. He has been a Rotary member in four different states and was designated a Paul Harris Fellow. As a member of the Elks Association, he served as the Exalted Ruler with Lafayette Elks Lodge #143 for two years. He was named Lafayette Elk of the Year in 2009. He served as an advocate with the Adult Guardianship Advocacy Program (AGAP) for several years. Gene was a longtime member of the AMVETS and the Korean War Veterans Association. He was also a member of The Church of Blessed Sacrament in West Lafayette. He served on the welcome committee, as an usher, and on the Finance Committee for over 20 years.

Gene enjoyed following all sports, often attending Purdue Football and Basketball games. He was an avid golfer and loved to travel. Gene spent the last 14 months living independently with his Purdue friends at University Place in West Lafayette, IN.

Gene is survived by his children: Sandra Hills of Oconomowoc, WI, William (Mary Kay) Hills of Scottsdale, AZ, Rick (Elaine) Hills of Oconomowoc, WI and Patti (Mark) Probst of Phoenix, AZ. Nine grandchildren: Paul (Gina) Hills, David (Punam) Hills, Jacqueline Hills (Patrick Edwards), Ali (Niall) Angus, Ryan (Allyson) Probst, Joseph Hills, Nathan Hills, Tess Hills, and Jeanie Hills; and five great grandchildren: Gianna, William, Benjamin, Naya, and Caden Hills. Gene is also survived by his brother Marvin (Carol) Hills of Wausau, WI, and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Lila; a brother, Harold; his parents; a sister, Lucille (Hills) Conrad; a brother-in-law, Larry Conrad; and a niece, Linda Conrad Tomas.

Donations may be made in Gene's name to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, Korean Veterans, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life service will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, on Monday, October 13, 2025 with a visitation from 11:00am-12:00pm and a service to follow.