Gerald Jerry Roy Dillinger

DILLINGER - Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Roy Dillinger’s earthly journey ended peacefully as he passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior early Tuesday September 24, 2002, at his home in Byron Center.

His beloved wife Ila Mae; four children and their spouses, Barb Ben, Sheri Mark, Dan Jackie and Randy Stephanie; and seven grandchildren, Daniel, Emily, Dylan, Collin, Natalie, Jeremiah and Anna, miss our mentor, hero, and example for life.

We long for the day we see him face to face again.

Jerry was a giving man who demonstrated unconditional love and treated each person he met with dignity and respect.

He was a problem solver - whether the problem was mathematical, mechanical, emotional, relational, or spiritual.

He loved his Lord with all his heart and willingly followed God’s call on his live as a missionary in Honduras from 1966 to 1980.

He had a special love for children and young people, including the children of fellow missionaries and the youth in the city of Comayagua, Honduras.

Since the 1980s, Jerry worked as a counselor. He was passionate about his work with families and individuals in crisis situations, through his association with Family Impact and, at the time of his death, Mars Hill Bible Church.

Jerry always had time for a family member in need, whether his own children or extended family.

He faced his 13 year battle with lymphoma with dignity, courage, and a deep, sustaining faith.

He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends, enjoying many times of prayer, singing hymns and songs of praise, and reading and discussing Bible passages.

A memorial service will be held at Mars Hill Bible Church, Grandville at 4 p.m. Saturday with Pastor David Klopfenstein and Pastor Doug Childress officiating.

Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. The family will meet with relatives and friends on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. from the Cook Funeral Home, Byron Center 2067 84th St..

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mars Hill Bible Church or Camp International - Honduras Bible Institute Scholarship Fund 8625 La Prada Dr., Dallas, TX 75228.

If you are unable to attend the service or visitation, please sign the family’s Memory Book at www.cookfuneralhome.com.

Visitation September 26, 2002 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. Byron Center, MI (616) 878-9744

Funeral Service September 28, 2002 4:00 PM Mars Hill Bible Church 3501 Fairlanes SW Grandville, MI

Interment September 28, 2002 10:00 AM Spring Lake Township Cemetery 17181 N. Fruitport Rd. Spring Lake, MI

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI 616-878--9744