William S Dillon

Bill was born to Richard and Anna (Kozelka) Dillon on July 17, 1930 in Chicago, the sibling of older brother, Richard (Jack) and younger sister, Elizabeth (Betty Page). He grew up on the Dillondale Farm in Libertyville, Illinois where the family produced and sold eggs. After graduating from Libertyville High School, he continued working on the farm while earning his bachelor’s degree in finance from Lake Forest College in 1954.

Bill met the love of his life, Cathy Ralph, in 1956 at a choir social at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor as he was finishing his MBA at the University of Michigan. They were quickly engaged and married the following summer. Bill began his career in agri-business with Quaker Oats, in Asheville, NC, selling Ful-O-Pep animal feeds. He was quickly promoted to the financial side of the business and relocated to Chicago in 1962. After Quaker sold the feed division to Allied Mills, Bill became treasurer of Allied. Bill continued his work as treasurer after Continental Grain acquired Allied in 1981, eventually retiring in 1995 as Treasurer of the Industrial Services Group.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church serving as Elder, Clerk of Session, and Trustee at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. In 1995 he was elected Moderator of the Chicago Presbytery. He also served on several national committees and held a seat on the board of the publishing arm of Presbyterian Church USA. He was a consistent presence in church choirs from his earlier days in Libertyville. Bill sang bass in the choir of First Presbyterian for over 60 years, retiring, reluctantly, at the age of 93.

Bill loved traveling, whether spending time with family in the Wisconsin Northwoods, ocean cruising or exploring the English countryside. Bill never turned down an opportunity to visit locomotive or tractor museums, or to attend a thresheree. Bill’s upbringing on the farm shaped a lifelong passion for raising vegetables and flowers. He was known for his zinnias which he generously shared with his many friends and neighbors. His love of rhubarb was unmatched. Bill lovingly tended to rhubarb plants that came from the farm in Libertyville and eagerly anticipated each spring’s first rhubarb pie.

Bill was especially dedicated to his beloved family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Cathy, of Arlington Heights, IL and two sons, Andrew (Lucinda) of Clayton, MO and Douglas (Terri) of Indianapolis, IN. He cherished the role of Grandpa to two grandsons, Joseph Dillon (Maggie Martinez) of Louisville, KY and James Dillon of Austin, TX.

The family expresses its appreciation to the skilled staff of The Moorings of Arlington Heights where Bill and Cathy have lived since 2010 and for the special care and comfort Bill received in the final stage of his life.

A memorial and celebration of Bill Dillon’s life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00am in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. The family will receive callers in the church parlor one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a future date in Three Lakes, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials for Bill be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights (302 N. Dunton, Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004), World Neighbors (5600 N. May Ave, Suite 160, Oklahoma City, OK 73112), or Songs By Heart (PO Box 550, Evanston, IL 60204) or www.songsbyheart.org/donate