June Pauline Hill

June “Pauline” Hill, 84, of Portage, MI, formerly of Iron Mountain, MI, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Pauline was born on June 1, 1939, in Ishpeming, MI, daughter of the late Axel and Elsie (Mattson) Laukka. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1957 and continued her education at Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1963 followed by a Masters Degree in 1969. She taught at schools in Brimley, Waterford Township, and Garden, MI, before settling in Iron Mountain where she taught at East Elementary School for 29 years. On June 20, 1959, Pauline was united in marriage to Robert H. Hill. The couple raised two sons and enjoyed more than 35 years of marriage before Robert preceded her in death in 1995. Pauline was active in many community and educational organizations. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Beta Sigma Chapter) for over 50 years where she held various offices, including president, and she earned numerous awards for her service. She was also involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Chapter AN), also holding various offices. Pauline was also active in MEA-NEA, MARSP, Lions Club, and was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She loved to spend time with her family, often traveling with them to Mackinaw, England, Lancaster, PA, and various other places. For many years Pauline wintered in Las Cruces, NM, enjoying friends and cruising from nearby ports. Pauline enjoyed swimming, reading, traveling, spending time at the YMCA, and she loved playing games with friends and family. Pauline is survived by her son, Peter (Victoria) Hill; a daughter-in-law, Frances Colucci-Hill; grandchildren Rebekah, Nathan, Heather, and Nicholas (Abbey) Hill; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Pauline was preceded in death by her son, Dr. Robert A. Hill; brothers Carl Laukka, Alan Laukka, and sister Margaret Wartman; and a special friend, Peter Russ. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 808 Carpenter Ave, Iron Mountain, MI. In honor of Pauline, please wear bright colors! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Michigan Parkinson Foundation at: www.parkinsonsmi.org Condolences to the family of June “Pauline” Hill may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

June Pauline Hill

June 1, 1939 - September 7, 2023