Wendell L. Hill, Jr., (1952 - 2023) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Wendell be with us forever.

70 years old
Born on December 28, 1952 in Takoma Park, Maryland, United States
Passed away on August 18, 2023 in Olney, Maryland, United States

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Wendell Hill, Jr., 70 years old, born on December 28, 1952, and passed away on August 18, 2023. We will remember him forever.

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September 2

“Uncle Butch”

I was so saddened by the news that you were no longer with us.

As my uncle you played a unique role in my life, offering support, guidance, and friendship.

Our life as niece and uncle were some of the best memories I have from childhood. Not sure where to begin, I have so many fond memories of you.

- Camping trips where we all crunched into that little orange and white Shasta like sardines. We sang songs and you told ghost stories.
- You gave me a dime to give you back massages. When I thought you were asleep, I would sneak out of the room and then you catch me.
- You showed me how to keep my milk cold by adding crushed ice. (I still drink it like this).
- Haunted houses you took me too, which scared the crap out of me, but you comforted me and said it wasn't real.
- The time Grandma forced you to take me with you and your date to the Drive-in Theater. I could never see the movie from the back seat of your mustang, so I ended up going to sleep.
- Watching old Clint Eastwood movies on weekends.
- All of us getting together to watch the Wizard of Oz at Grandma’s house once a year.
- You took me with you White Water Rafting in PA. One of the most exciting adventures I had when I was a kid.
- All the Halloween parties you had on Billy’s birthday, you always went to the extreme and had the best parties.
- You asked me to be in your wedding.
- You helped me purchase my townhouse in Laurel, which, that took an exceptional amount of patience.

You were always the life of the party; your laughter was loud and contagious.
Telling your jokes and doing your funny impressions. You always gave the best advice, hugs, and you always cared about the family’s happiness and well-being. You were a role model for all of us. You always had a positive outlook on life....

Grandma use to get after you for always showing up late for family gatherings, and she would say, "you are going to be late for your own funeral," well here we are...not your fault this time.

The memories of you will last a lifetime in my heart. You were the best “Uncle” any niece could ask for….

RIP Uncle Butch – You will always be loved and missed by many.

Larry Freedman

August 17

Wendell and I were movies buddies and beyond. When a new Marvel picture, Mission Impossible, James Bond (said in a Wendell British accent) we would coordinate which Tuesday we would go to the Rio to see the Movie. Tuesday was Senior discount day, and Wendell could also use his discount card. Which he insisted on using. We enjoyed each others company a great deal. I find it to difficult to go to the movies without him. He is hugely missed by me and so many other. I think of Wendell often, especially when a new movie comes out that I know we would have seen together.

Memory from Bill Miller, Butch's nephew

August 15

My Birthday Parties

Some of my fondest memories of my Uncle Butch were my birthday parties.

During my younger years, he would come over and perform magic tricks after my mom would have us bob for apples, play pin the tail on the donkey, and play other games I can’t recall.

Then he graduated us to Halloween parties. He would recruit his friends to participate in the festivities of scaring the crap out of us.

One year he gathered us at the corner of the house. This is when we lived in Calverton next to a wooded empty lot. He then guided us into the woods and as he did, he told us of ghosts and goblins. All of the sudden someone emerged from the earth and chased us until we reached the sliding glass door in the rear of the house.

We entered through the door and came to the door which led to an unfinished basement. Butch had put sheets up so we needed to walk through them so as not to see what was behind them. When we emerged, there was a coffin all the way in the back next to the wall. As he was talking, the coffin started creaking open and his friend Larry sat up and turned his head towards us as to come and get us and bite all of us for dinner.

We screamed and ran through the drapes and up the steps to the main floor of the house. We walked down the hallway and came to a bathroom. In the bathtub there was a woman who had drowned. She had a tube running from her mouth to be able to breathe, but how would we know?

The last I can remember was going to the end of the hall and going into what was Jenny’s room. In the bed was a dilapidated old woman (maybe Kate) who was the representation of Linda Blair in the Exorcist movie. As normal, we ran scared back to the living room.

One of my friends John Tehti was so scared that his parents had to come pick him up! Butch felt so bad.

Uncle Butch (Wendell) was born to entertain, and he did it well, put his imagination into overdrive, and pleased the audience.

Bill Blevins

August 15

Wendell's passing from this world will never completely heal over.

August 5

This is from Sousanna, daughter of Irina and Bill Miller (nephew).
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We’ve always had a small family, but with Wendall, it didn’t matter. Holidays were made memorable when he showed up. He brought the party with him, even if it was a few hours late. Every Thanksgiving he gave us a chocolate calendar, no matter how old we got. They were always different but always delicious.

I remember the last time I saw Wendall was at the Great Pancake House, it wasn’t a holiday but family was in town and we all made an effort to see each other. He showed us what would be his final magic trick. Although I didn’t know it at the time. Somehow he managed to puncture a playing card with a pencil, but not really? Not sure, still waiting for him to reveal that trick.

Wendall got a second chance at life and although it wasn’t as long as anyone would’ve wanted, I’m forever grateful to have known him, to have laughed with him, and to now pass down the magic tricks he did teach me.

August 1

The following memory is from Liz Fish. She was Liz Frederick when we were growing up. The Frederick family was a second family to Butch and me.
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Butch (which is what we called him) was such an awesome guy, just like a brother to the Frederick girls, so we go way back in time!

The Frederick Family and the Hill Family were very close knit. Ida/Admiral and Ruth/Red were best friends and always doing things together. Therefore, as kids we were always together as well. The families would go camping, go to Ocean City and we event went on a vacation to Mexico together, pulling trailers to boot! Obviously, an adventure with many laughs.

Butch was so loving, caring, extremely funny and very thoughtful. He was always ready to help us girls in any way he could.

As we grew up and started our grown-up lives, we always got updated on what was happening with each other thru our parents and especially Butch’s mother. When we lost our parents, we tried to stay in touch, especially with Butch.

Butch was a God send when we lost our sister Wanda, a classmate of his. He helped us with her funeral and did her life sketch and became our Realtor in selling her house. He went above and beyond, going the extra mile to ensure that he did everything he could to make sure the house was sold. For that we will always be grateful to him.

He kept us posted on his health issues and all the rough/terrible times that he and his family went through. Butch fought hard to overcome so much, so when we thought everything was going well for him, we got notified of his untimely death.

Butch will forever be a part of our lives. We loved him like a brother and he touched the hearts of many people with his laughter and attitude.

I will always remember his signature trait—the yellow pencil at the end of his emails.

August 1

This memory is from Butch's nephew Billy Miller.
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One that I recall when I was young would be the time when Butch was into the JRR Tolken series.
When Mom would have grandma baby sit Jenny and I we couldn’t wait for Butch to get home. Either with his friends or on a date.
After he got home he would let us go into his room and sit on his bed. He would break open the Charles Chips can of potato chips and begin snacking He never really read from the book itself, we were too young to understand the words. He would then find the spot of the story that he had already read and begin.
Butch would tell it in a way that kept us interested: creating the trails, the excitement, the colors of the sky, and the landscape we felt.
I do treasure those moments and hope to never forget them.
Wendell was an ever loving and giving person. I loved him dearly.
Billy

August 1

This story is from Irina Miller, wife of Butch's nephew Bill Miller.
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I still remember the first time meeting Wendell! Bill and I were together maybe for a short month when Bill suggested that I should meet his family: he meant to say his grandma, his uncle - Wendell, Wendell’s wife - Karen, their daughter, Laurie who was engaged to Trey back then and Bill’s aunt, Kate. I was very nervous. I wanted to leave a good impression but was worried what if they don’t like me. It was my first time meeting the real American family.
As soon as we walked through the door, the first person I saw was Bill’s uncle, Wendell! He was big in size but had a very kind face. I didn’t know how to act? Of course I said “Hi” to everybody but Wendell came over to me and gave me a hug. It was such a warm and welcoming hug that I felt relieved. This is a good family I thought to myself! Then everybody started talking and I wasn’t nervous anymore. Wendell did have a talent of making people feel at ease! I loved his personality! He was the heart of any company!

August 1

I will tell one story that includes my sister, Bonnie, and it kind of sums up what it was like growing up with Butch and Bonnie.

We had to meet with an estate lawyer for our mom‘s estate. Normally, these are very solemn meetings because the documents are dreadfully depressing. One guy dies then the other guy dies. When both guys die at the same time, then what do we want done, and so on. So we were escorted into this conference room and it was Butch, Bonnie, Mom and me.

They shut the door and within minutes Butch said something funny, we all laughed hysterically. Then Bonnie riffed off it, we continued laughing. Then I added my two cents and we were all shaking the walls laughing. I’m sure the office staff outside the room were wondering about us….most families are quiet and solemn at those times.

September 4, 2023

Gail Silver
To Woody Hill: I don't remember if I sent you a note or not, because I was so distraught at the news of losing your father, Wendell, and, almost at the same time, losing Alan Gross, one of Kurt Reichenbach's and my best friends! Wendell and I became very close when we worked closely together on Kurt's memorial and I was about to call Wendell when I saw your post: I loved Wendell and Alan so much and didn't want to share about Alan's death until I spoke to his magnificent wife, Norma Topa Gross, who is going through such deep sorrow right now, as are you and your family, dear Woody! Wendell and Alan will never be forgotten: Two beautiful human beings. RIP Wendell and Alan and Much Love, Hugs and Support to both of your families! xoxo

September 1, 2023

This is John Sweet from the old neighborhood (Hillandale). I lived around the corner on Cresthaven Drive. The fact that I randomly came across this Tribute site is a testament to the connective power and reach of the Internet. And a few coincidences thrown in.

Wow. So sorry to hear this news and condolences to the Hill family and friends. I knew Butch (he was always Butch to me) for a short time but wanted to share a few memories. I think we met in about 1964 and it was through a shared interest in comic books. I vaguely remember a Superman Club (yes, Butch was an organizer!). And the homemade movies. Let me tell you about movies I "acted" in. Butch made a Spiderman movie and I recall his own take on some Twilight Zone stories. And we did one on a popular TV show at the time, The Invaders. And who could forget The Man from U.N.C.L.E.? Butch loved that show.

But the one memory that really sticks out is when Butch created a comic book of his own. He wrote and illustrated the stories and he asked me about producing it (it was on carbon paper). I went to the school front office at Francis Scott Key Jr. High and asked one of the secretaries if she would print it on the "mimeo" machine. And she agreed! So for a year or so I would take the pile of papers into school and she would discretely run it off for us. I'm sure she was a rule-breaker!

We moved away in 1968 or so and I don't think I ever saw Butch again. Ironically, I have lived in Laytonsville for many years just down the road from Olney. Who knows? Our paths may have crossed unknowingly.

Once again, my condolences to all of the Hills. I hope these words have provided a small glimpse into happy days decades ago. I've enjoyed dredging these up.

John Sweet
jjdjsweet@comcast.net

August 26, 2023

The world lost an amazing soul last week. My Dad, Wendell Hill Jr passed away in his sleep last Friday. He was one-of-a-kind, always cheerful and positive, even in the face of adversity and hardship.

In 2018 he was suffering from numerous health issues, the worst of which was a congenital liver disease known as Alpha-1 deficiency. In early 2019 he became the recipient of a new liver, and began the long road of recovery back to full health. He had been away from his home for nearly a year, bouncing between rehab facilities and hospitals, nearly dying about six different times.

This entire time, despite all the reasons he would be justified in acting miserable, he didn’t. He was the opposite. He always smiled and laughed, cracking jokes with every nurse, doctor, and attendant that passed through his room, brightening their days and spreading his cheerful demeanor to others. He fought to live, to have more time on this earth with his family and friends (and to catch a few more movies at the theater while he was at it).

After he was admitted to the hospital in 2018, I made the tough decision to leave New Orleans and return to Maryland. At first I stayed with my sister Laura, but eventually moved in with my Mom and Dad when he returned home from the hospital in 2019. Later my sister joined us, and for a little over a year, the four of us were under the same roof as we had been in my childhood. And during this time, my Dad’s health skyrocketed in the right direction. He was fully rehabilitated, able to move about on his own, and even kept up a light exercise routine (I had never witnessed this before in my life). He survived the pandemic despite being an immunosuppressed transplant patient. He was thriving in all the ways that mattered most. And he was alive, enjoying so many meaningful moments with his family that almost never came to be.

He meant so much to me and to so many others. Some might say Kurt Reichenbach was his best friend, but I would selfishly argue that it was me. He taught me so much, like how to show genuine love and compassion to people, and how to be friendly and patient. He exposed me to comedy, magic, and creative writing. He helped me make a better Indiana Jones Halloween costume year after year. I know he loved me, just as he loved his wife Karen and his daughter Laura. I know this because he told us all the time, and we told him we loved him just as much. I truly believe he died without anything left unsaid.

I’m going to miss you, Dad. A lot. I will always hold your memory in my heart and I am so thankful for all the moments we shared in our lifetimes, especially the extra ones at the end. Rest in peace, and we’ll see you on the other side.

-Woody

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September 2

Larry Freedman

August 17

Memory from Bill Miller, Butch's nephew

August 15

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His Life

Wendell L. Hill, Jr - Obituary

August 25, 2023

Wendell L. Hill, Jr., born December 28, 1952, passed peacefully in his sleep in the comfort of his home in Olney, Maryland on August 18, 2023 at the age of 70.

Wendell was born in Takoma Park, Maryland where his parents first met. He lived in Montgomery County in a house his father built. In his early years he enjoyed fun-filled summers traveling and camping with his family on long treks, visiting other family in California and even going south of the border to Mexico. He absorbed America’s history, witnessing the beauty of national parks, natural landmarks, and differing cultures and foods. Frequently summers were spent at Deep Creek Lake learning to swim, camping in the family’s travel trailer, and playing with family friends. He got to experience more in his childhood than most people do in their lifetimes.

From an early age and to the end of his life, Wendell enjoyed learning new magic tricks and delighted in entertaining all who were interested. During grade school years, he would film scripted “Hollywood-style movies” with his neighborhood friends and hold viewings of the films with popcorn and treats for all in attendance. As a teen Wendell loved and collected comic books and learned to draw from transposing the pictures of his favorite comic heroes. In his high school years, he planned grand and elaborate Halloween experiences, engaging his friends as volunteers to execute the haunted events. He got involved in other extracurriculars such as the school newspaper and was eventually found to be a “pretty funny guy.” One of his teachers encouraged him to partner with his close friend Kurt to perform a comedy routine at Takoma Academy’s talent show. This would be the world’s introduction to the infamous “Reichenbach & Hill” comedy duo. Their comedy routine repeatedly won the top award at the T.A. talent show, and they went on to perform at every alumni reunion they could attend thereafter.

After graduating from Takoma Academy, he went on to earn a degree in commercial art from Montgomery College. After that he spent a summer in Northern Virginia with a small church group learning the art of Bible study. He also began a multi-year personal involvement in church youth group ministry. In 1974 Wendell attended Andrews University in Michigan to further his religious education.

In 1975 he met the love of his life, Karen Arkebauer, and married her later the same year. He continued volunteer youth ministry at The Village Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and then at the Takoma Park Church after he and Karen returned to Maryland. In 1981 Wendell and Karen were blessed with their first child, Laura Hill, and their son Wendell (Woody) Hill III six years later.

Wendell’s first job was in a print shop which was a perfect segway into commercial art. He later became known for his work in real estate and was also no stranger to small business and consulting. All of these incorporated his creative talents in writing, drawing, and both physical and digital artwork. In addition to being an accomplished artist, he also had an ear for music. He dabbled with the piano, guitar, and harmonica, and had a knack for picking up just about any instrument. Wendell would quickly decipher whatever melody had been stuck in his head, often adding his own humorous twist to the music and lyrics.

His hobbies included comedic performance, enjoying movies with friends and family, and anything involving J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” In his young adulthood he started, owned, and operated his own company, “Land of Legend” from which he created, produced, and distributed the board game “Quest of the Magic Ring” and a live-action-role-playing instructional booklet entitled “Rules for the Live Ring Game.” As a result of his business venture, Wendell also began a lifelong trend of staying ahead of the technological curve, and he always procured and mastered the latest computers and tech gadgets for both work and recreation.

More than his professional successes, Wendell will be remembered for his selfless love, genuine caring, and cheerful humor. His positivity and ability to make people laugh brightened the days of all who knew him. He was a loving husband and father, and instantly became friends with anyone he met. There seemed no limit to his willingness to help others and his desire to bring happiness to everyone in his life.

Wendell was a beloved son, husband, father, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Wendell Hill Sr. and Ruth Hill; his older sister Bonnie Chaney (Carroll); and his loving daughter Laura Hill (Trey). He is survived by his beloved wife Karen; his son Wendell “Woody” Hill III (Kacie); and his younger sister Kathleen “Kate” Hill. He also leaves behind a host of extended family including nieces and nephews, in-laws, and life-long friends whom he loved dearly.

Wendell received a liver transplant in 2019 which gave him four extra years of life with his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mercy Hospital Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease, or to the University of Maryland Medical Center Transplant Team (see links below). These are causes near and dear to Wendell and to his surviving family.

*** Mailing List for Memorial Updates: https://mailchi.mp/68a18e00d5d8/wendellhill

* Mercy Hospital Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease: mdmercy.com/giving

(click “donate now,” and select “Liver Disease” from the drop-down menu)

* UMMC Transplant Team: ummsfoundation.org

(click “donate now,” and select “Division of Transplantation” from the drop-down menu)

* Register to become an organ donor at: donatelife.net

My 4th brother

August 22

I have many memories of Wendell…I’ve known him for as long as I can remember….wendell always was there to listen and advise, he found my husband David and I our first home…and our second home…I remember my oldest son Eric took me to a vampire movie for Mother’s Day (yes like Kurt I love the scary stuff) we where walking out, the theatre was still kinda dark when someone grabbed me from behind and asked me for a “bite” I jumped and screamed then heard the all familiar laugh that was our Wendell ….i believe woody was with him….i have so many memories of Wendell ….life wouldn’t have been the same without him…my parents loved him too…when my mom died I found a beautiful sketch that Wendell had done and given to her…I believe it was done in high school…she loved it so much she kept it. I know we will see the duo again….until that day comes we will try to go on as they would want us to…its hard some days but i know Wendell would say “you can do this kiddo”. I will see you again my other big brother…but i will miss you so much till then❤️

Catching the Bad Guys with Cousin Jeannine

August 11

This memory is from his cousin Jeannine.
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Some of my best childhood memories were when my family would take holiday vacations to Takoma Park and Silver Spring, MD. My Mom and Dad would drop me off at my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Red’s home where I would get to play with my cousins, Bonnie, Butch and Kate.

Butch and Kate were slightly younger than I, but we were a great team. When I entered the house it was always immediate fun! Butch had the greatest collections of toy guns, bows and arrows, Superman outfits, swords, and everything else it took to play unbelievable games of hunting, capturing, hiding and stalking enemy compounds. Butch and Kate had a tree house that added to the wonder of it all. I remember Butch and I capturing Kate and pretending to tie her to a tree. She loved it.

Then we would all play the kind of other games that were totally absorbing, creative and fun. My childhood angst would drop off and I was able to participate totally in the moment. We were never bored, even for a minute.

Later I got to know Butch the man, husband and father. He was wonderful. So warm, compassionate and funny. I’m so sorry he was taken so early and that I didn’t get to visit him more often. I miss him and I miss our family.

"The One"

September 28, 2023

Butch (Wendell) dated around for a few years, but didn’t feel he was ready to settle down and marry.

Then he attended a wedding with a friend. At the wedding reception, he told his friend that he was bored and wanted to leave. Karen Arkebauer overheard his comment and whirled around and introduced herself.

So they began talking, and Butch was smitten and REALLY wanted to see Karen again. Karen was interested too because she agreed to a date with him.

After they dated awhile, he realized she was “The One”. He then sat me down, told me he was going to ask Karen to marry him, and watched for my reaction.

Now Karen and I had attended Columbia Union College at the same time. But our paths did not cross because our curricula were different. We were never in the same class. Still, I got to know her from Butch dating her and felt she and Butch would have a good marriage.

But this was my Big Brother, and I had the typical jealousy of others who infringed on his time, attention and love. But I sucked it in and said, “GREAT”!

Butch did the romantic, chivalrous thing and asked Karen’s father Paul if he could have Karen’s hand in marriage. Paul initially gave Butch a hard time, but then relented and gave his permission.

They married in 1975, and waited five years before starting a family. Then we welcomed Laura into our family. Then a few years later, we welcomed Wendell III, aka Woody, aka Woodchuck (the nickname my sister Bonnie bestowed on him).

Butch and Karen celebrated 48 wedding anniversaries

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