Darryl J. Hill, 39, of Ironwood, died peacefully early Sunday morning, Jan. 11, 2009, at his father's home on Vanderhagen Rd. in Ironwood Township, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 1, 1969, in Ironwood, son of Donald J. and the late Lynda (Pelkola) Hill, attended Roosevelt and Sleight schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1987. Darryl was employed as assistant manager at the Holiday Station Store in Wakefield for five years, as a semi-driver and mechanic for Chief Oil Co. in Ironwood for several years, and at Victory Janitorial in Rhinelander, Wis. for two years. Returning to Ironwood in 2002, he worked independently until 2005, when he was employed at Burton Industries as a machine operator, retiring due to ill health in Feb. 2008. His hobbies included fishing, playing his guitars, watching movies and playing with his dog "Harry". He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Surviving are his father, Donald J. Hill, sister, Vickee (Paul) Saari, and nephew and niece, Tyler and Kaylee Saari, all of Ironwood Township; maternal grandmother, Helvie Pelkola, Kimball, Wis.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; best friend, Rich (Jolene) Hendrickson, Eau Claire, Wis.; and his faithful companion, his German Shepherd mix, "Harry". Besides his mother, who died Nov. 29, 2003, Darryl was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Eugene Pelkola; paternal grandparents, Earl and Evelyn Hill; and uncle, Wayne Pelkola. Out of respect for the family's wishes, cremation has taken place and private services will be held. Spring inurnment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township. Contributions in Darryl's memory may be made to Regional Hospice, or to the family, in care of Vickee and Paul Saari, N-11607 Junet Rd., Ironwood, Mich. 49938. To view Darryl's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.