Dennis Mason Hill, 72, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, peacefully at his home after a 9-year long battle with cancer. He was born on December 4, 1953, in Lincoln, NE to Fred and Shirley Hill. He graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School with the class of 1972.
His free spirit and longing for adventure led him down many paths during his early years, which included construction, sales, window installation, and a few years as a flight attendant. He then was a CNC operator and pattern maker and he worked for Coors Distributing in Denver as a merchandiser. But the career he was most proud of was his 15 years with Kearney Police Department as a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist, which he did until his retirement in 2020.
Den’s Humor would light up any room he was in. He was a social butterfly who could and would talk to anyone about anything and every person he met was an immediate friend. Through his life he was an avid skier, softball player, dart thrower, dirt bike rider, and partier. In his later years he settled down (but not really) in his beautiful home of 21 years overlooking Summer Haven Lake near Kearney, NE. Dennis swore by the three H’s of his life- holidays (which meant parties), happy hours, and the HUSKERS!
Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and good friend to so many. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Michele Hill; son, Mason (Cassie) Hill of Stanton, NE; daughter, Madison (Alex) Schumacher of Omaha, NE; sister, Dollie Benac of Lincoln, NE; brothers, Norm (Terri) Hill of Dover-Foxcroft, ME, Tom (Sue) Hill of Freedom, PA; grandchildren, Maverick, Hudson, Tenley, and Landrie Hill, whom he loved dearly; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by Neil Shipferling, his nephew and lifelong friend whom he loves as a son; and Bailey Pittner, who held a daughter’s place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ted Hill; and brother-in-law, Larry Benac.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11 AM, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln.
Memorials may be donated to the family for future charitable donation.
The Memorial Service will be livestreamed HERE
Dennis and I were close like brothers from our Junior year in high school and for the next 10 or so years after. I moved to California and we lost touch after that, but I’ll always remember Tentz as he was known back then, as one of my greatest life long friends. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and he will be missed dearly by me and I’m sure by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. I hope I see him again in heaven someday.
We knew Dennis for many years. I was friends with Tom in high school and got to know all the Hill family. He came to visit when we lived in New England and partied with him there. Our condolences to Michelle and the Hill family. Rest peacefully “Teense”.
I will miss you so much Den ! We had so many great times along with our bad times but were there to comfort each other ❤️ All the family and friends that have gone before you are there 🙏 I will be here for
Michele and all the family 💙 Free at last 🪽
Dennis was a warm, loving friend who found humor in everyday life. He took life in his own time and stopped to smell the roses along the way. We will miss our friend!
Love and best wishes to your family and friends.
It’s just so hard to believe Den is gone. I am so proud of the life he made for his family. What caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather he was. What a great and fun friend he was to all who had the pleasure to have known him. What a great brother he was to Dollie, Tom. and I. It’s hard to imagine life without him in it. We will all hold him close in our hearts.
Growing up with Dennis (Teense) was a joy, he was a wonderful brother and friend. Who will be deeply missed.. My family++Susie, Nicole, Brandie,and Eric; shares these sentiments. Forty years ago I invited Dennis to work with me in PA where he met his lifelong partner.We will carry his memory in our hearts 💕 May his memory be a blessing 💕