Nathanael Hill, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nathanael Hill Sr. of White Bear Lake. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Mary E. Hill.

Nathanael Hill Sr. was born on June 18, 1930, at 6 p.m. in Alvin, Illinois, Vermillion County, to Clifford A. and Gertrude M. Hill. He was the tenth of their twelve children. Known to his family and friends as Nate, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, son, and the cherished patriarch of his family.

Raised in the church, Nate remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. Nathanael proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal, enlisting in the infantry on November 25, 1952. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for the period of November 25, 1952 to November 24,1954. He was honorably discharged on November 24, 1960.

Nathanael married Mary E. Anding in Danville, Illinois, on October 3, 1955, marking the beginning of a loving, nearly seven-decade-long union. Together, they had seven children: five sons and two daughters. Throughout their marriage, Nate was a loving protector and devoted husband to Mary, their love and commitment serving as a shining example for their family.

A lifelong servant of the church, Nate's father was a pastor, and Nate followed in his spiritual footsteps. He was an evangelist and a talented pianist, known for his ability to play by ear. He also performed as a Minnesota Shining Star Gospel Singer and evangelist of song, captivating audiences with his beautiful voice. In his final days, he continued to hum along with his favorite gospel songs, a testament to his lifelong devotion to faith and music. Even in his greatest moments of pain, Nate would turn to prayer and praise, demonstrating the strength of his faith and the wisdom he gained from his biblical training.

In 1961, Nathanael founded his own painting business, Best in Decorating, in Minnesota, following in his father’s footsteps. Over the years, his business grew to serve a large and loyal customer base. His last painting job was completed in August 2024. Nate loved his work and took great pride in his craft. He also hired and mentored many young adults, college students, and teens, teaching them strong work ethics and life lessons. Many of these young people have gone on to achieve success in their careers, becoming college graduates, trade-certified professionals, business owners, and contributing members of society.

Nathanael and Mary relocated their family to New Brighton, MN, where they became the only Black family in the area for several years. Nathanael was a man who didn’t focus on color, but instead on people’s ethics and character. As a result, he built strong relationships with neighbors and the parents of his children’s friends. Together, he and Mary founded a youth bowling league, and he also coached softball. All of their children graduated from Mounds View High School and were raised with the same values — not to judge by color, but to see the person. Nathanael was a disciplined and compassionate mentor, whose example continues to inspire his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others. He leaves a legacy of wisdom, faith, and integrity. 

Nathanael is survived by his wife, Mary E. Hill (Anding), their seven children: Nathanael Hill Jr. (Anne) of Saint Paul, MN; Derryl E. Hill (Kim) of Brooklyn Park, MN; Rachel A. Rogers (Uzziel) of Columbia Heights, MN; Clifton A. Hill of Fort Collins, CO; Ruan L. Hill (Patty) of Naples, FL; Dr. Lisa R. Hill-Lee of Jacksonville, FL; and Darian R. Hill of Saint Anthony, MN. He is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford A. and Gertrude M. Hill, and siblings: Lucy Hannon, Naomi Buford, Reuben Hill, Rachael Lawrence, Lee Hill, Phillip Hill, Joanna Mills, and Clifford Hill Jr. He is survived by his siblings Sarah Phelps, Mary Wilkins, and John Hill.

Nathanael Hill Sr. will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him until we meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, where we will live forever.