Ernest O Dillie

Ernest Otto Dillie was born on December 6, 1924, in Ohio Grove Township near Aledo, Illinois to parents Otto and Anna (Galloway) Dillie. Ernie served in the U.S. Army as a Longshoreman from July of 1943 until his honorable discharge in January 1946. On September 14, 1947, he was united in marriage to Helen Rossetta Kenney in Aledo, Illinois. They continued to live in Aledo where he worked for John Deere, Case, Farmall, and Farm Service. In 1970, they moved to the Spooner, Wisconsin area, where he pulped until 1971 when he started working for the Washburn County Highway Department until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, he worked on automobiles as a mechanic and welder at his residence until he was no longer able due to his health. Ernie enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, fishing trout and northerns locally, hunting deer, squirrels, and ducks. In Illinois, he was involved with stock cars, go cart racing, and also bowling, in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, playing cards and horseshoes.

Ernie died on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 87.

Ernie is survived by his wife Helen (Rosie) of Spooner, children: Michael (Judy) of Joy, IL, Daniel (Fawn) of Davenport, IA, Larry (Roxanne) of Glendale, AZ, Ernest Jr. (Terry) of Joy, IL, Gloria (Mark) Thompson of Trego, WI, 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, brother Richard Dillie of Nevada, and special friend Norm Olson.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson Peter Dillie, 2 great grandchildren: Alexandria Heath and Austin Kugler, brothers and sisters: Dora Rideout, Clarence Dillie, Marguerite Johnson, William Dillie, Irene Newton, Raymond Dillie, and Kenneth Dillie.

Casket Bearers will be his grandsons: Rob Dillie, Lyle Dillie, Mike Dillie, Derek Dillie, Travis Thompson, Trevor Thompson, and Otto Dillie. Honorary Casket Bearers will be grandsons Adrian Dillie, Jason Dillie, and special friend Norman Olson.