Kenneth J. Dillinger, 86, passed away 11:39 am, Saturday, August 8, 2020 at his residence.
Born in Smackover, Ark. on February 22, 1934, he was the son of Joseph and Arkoler (Grissom) Dillinger.
A U.S. Navy veteran, he served aboard the USS Bairoko during the Korean War. He was a mechanic working for several dealerships in the area and was a longtime active member of Woodburn Bible Church in Bunker Hill.
He married Sandra Williams on April 11, 1964 in Wood River. She died September 1, 1994.
Surviving are a son, Charles (Roberta) Dillinger; daughters, Patricia Swiecicki, Eva (Brian) Kasting; grandchildren, Angela Toenyes, Daniel Swiecicki, Katie Rausch, Patrick Rausch, Maddie Dillinger; his longtime companion, Donna Hellemeyer and her children, Steve Hellemeyer, Kim Nettleton, Karen (Tom) Govero and son, Tommy, Leslie (Steve) Vannoy and son, Cody, Marc (Becky) Farrell and children, Colton and Caden; several great grandchildren; and a sister, Loretta Dillinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Adolf Dillinger; and sisters, Frances Grafford and Marie Streich.
Graveside services and burial with military honors will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, August 12 at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Pastor Jon Sander will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Woodburn Bible Church, Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
