Martin D. Hill

Judge Martin DeVier Hill, 80, of Dixon, passed away peacefully at his home on June 12, 2021, surrounded by his family. Martin was born on July, 6, 1940, in Freeport, IL, the only child to Ozro and Virginia (Rech) Hill. Marty graduated from Freeport High School in 1958 and went on to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he graduated with a business degree. He continued his studies at the University of Illinois College of Law. In 1965, Martin was a practicing lawyer in both Illinois and Iowa. He practiced law for several years before taking a judgeship in Lee County Illinois. He resided as Circuit Court Judge in Dixon, Illinois for twenty-six and a half years, serving with honor, fairness, and dignity. He retired in 1999. Marty was also a member and past president of the Rotary Club. After his retirement, he volunteered for CASA and taught criminal justice at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon. Marty was a talented golfer, playing for the Dixon Country Club, including on the Men’s Lincoln Highway team. He was proud of earning the title of Club Champion. He loved hunting with his dogs, but more than any other hobby, he adored fishing and was nicknamed “Marty the Muskie Man.” Of all his accomplishments in his life, though, he was most proud of his family. In 1977, Marty married the love of his life, Linda Leytem. Marty was welcomed with open arms into the Leytem family, where he made a home with Linda’s twelve brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. Martin is survived by his wife Linda, four children: Anthony (Judy Mule’) Hill of Roscoe, Andrew (Gail) Hill of Roscoe, Amanda (Tyler) Donahue of Bloomington, Meghan Hill of Dixon, eight grandchildren: Raymond Hill, Matthew Hill, Martin Donahue, Joseph Donahue, Nolan Donahue, David Donahue, Kaitlyn Conderman, and Hailey Conderman. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon, IL, with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and a prayer service will be at 10:30 at the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon with Fr. Paul White officiating. Cremation rites will follow with burial of remains to be held at a later date in Cascade, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic School or to the Dixon Parkinson’s Disease support group.

Martin D. Hill

July 6, 1940 - June 12, 2021