Delores K. Hill

Delores K. Hill was born on September 12, 1927, in Elgin, Nebraska, to William and Anna (Venteicher) Kallhoff. Her life spanned 97 years, from the era of horse-drawn wagons on the farm to Cadillacs in the city. Growing up in Elgin, she was raised Catholic and remained deeply devoted to her faith throughout her life. At the age of 18, Delores left the family farm and moved to Omaha, where she found work and eventually met her future husband after World War II. On August 17, 1948, Delores married Dale W. Hill at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin, Nebraska, embarking on their "Sentimental Journey." Together, they had five children: Roger, Audrey, Margaret, Robert, and Patrice. The family lived in various Nebraska towns, including Anselmo, Fremont, and Omaha, before Delores and Dale retired to Mercedes, Texas. Their 25+ years at Llano Grande were filled with friendship, golf, activities, and countless cherished memories. Delores joined the workforce when Dale suffered a heart attack and was unable to work. She began working nights at Campbell's Soup Company so she could care for her family during the day. After Dale recovered, she continued working to provide a better life for her family. The majority of her career was spent in production at Western Electric/AT&T. Delores' greatest dedication was to her role as a wife and mother. She instilled a strong work ethic in her children, a value that served them well throughout their lives. She was thrifty, practical, and resourceful. Her homemaking included gardening, baking, canning, and cleaning—tasks with which her children were expected to help. With a green thumb, she tended her garden with care, cultivating fruits, vegetables, and flowers. She was a talented baker and an expert cake decorator. A perfectionist in cleanliness, she often reminded others, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Above all, Delores took immense pride in her family and promised her children, “You will have better lives than we did.” She found joy in dancing with Dale to their song "Sentimental Journey" and other big band music, playing cards, golfing, and cheering on the Cornhuskers. Known for her vibrant personality, she embraced her playful side as a prankster and never missed a party. Delores enjoyed sipping a Crown Royal, Drambuie, or a Cosmo martini and had an extraordinary ability to connect with others. Delores will be remembered as a beautiful, independent, and quick-witted lady who was vivacious and full of mischief and laughter. Always well-dressed, she had a flair for fashion and always added jewelry to complete her look. Delores passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 97 years, 3 months, and 7 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale W.; son, Roger D.; brothers, Leonard and Alvin Kallhoff; and sisters, Irene Flora and Evelyn Arehart. She is survived by her children, Robert (Karen) Hill, Audrey (Rod) Rogers, Margie Dunning, and Patrice (Mark) Wrighton; daughter-in-law, Cheri Hill; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Floyd Kallhoff. Delores’ legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will be cherished by all who knew her. She has now taken their "Sentimental Journey" home. Memorial Mass Friday, Dec. 27, 11 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Inurnment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Thursday, Dec. 26, 5-7 PM with vigil service at 7 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. Memorials to Disabled American Veterans.

Delores K. Hill

September 12, 1927 - December 19, 2024