Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Johnny L. Dillman, Sr., 91, peacefully returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 14, 2023, joining the love of his life. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 23 at Salem Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Paster Matt Hebbert officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, October 22, at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel. Memorial may be made to the Nebraska Panhandle Blocks Quilts of Valor Foundation. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.
Johnny was born on August 12, 1932, in Morrill, Nebraska to Pete and Mollie (Mehling) Dillman. He received his education in Morrill at Fairview 34, later receiving his Military GED certificate in November 2001. He was drafted into the United States Army and completed Basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. During the Korean Conflict, he was stationed in England as a Chemical Smoke Generator Mechanic of the 32nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade. Johnny was a member of the Morrill American Legion for 55 years where he served as Commander for a period of time. He was very proud of his military service and received his Quilt of Valor on June 11, 2023.
Once he returned from overseas, Johnny married his honey, Helen Henkel on February 27, 1955, in Scottsbluff. Once married, the couple began farming in Minatare, Bayard, and Scottsbluff before settling north of Morrill where they farmed for nearly 30 years. In 1995, Johnny retired from farming, and they moved to Scottsbluff where he remained until his passing. Johnny was a lifelong member of Salem Congregational Church serving as deacon and trustee.
While farming was his passion, it was his family that brought him the most joy as he shared and passed on his passion to his three sons. He and Helen never missed a school or sporting event and loved playing dominos with his grandkids. He also enjoyed doing word search puzzles as well. Johnny and Helen would often be spotted at WNCC volleyball and basketball games.
Johnny is survived by his sons: John Jr. (Myra) of Gering, Wayne (Nancy) of Scottsbluff, and Kevin (Teri) of Elizabeth, CO; Grandchildren: Amy (Terry) Yeager, Jenny (Craig) Walker, Ashley Dillman, Bethany (Hamidou) Conde, Cassie Dillman, Brittney Dillman, Brandon (Kayla) Dillman; Great-granddaughter: Aubree Tisue; Sister-in-law: Nonnie Dillman; Brothers-in-law and wives: Phillip (Linda) Henkel and Harry (Phyllis) Henkel; and several extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen; parents; brother and sister-in-law Ruben and Betty; brother Donald; sisters-in law and husbands Lydia and Harry Schmall, Esther and Reiny Meter, Elsie and Herman Blome, Irene and Bennie Mehling, Mary Ann Frick; father-in-law and mother-in-law Phillip and Mary Henkel.
A very special thank you to Andrea Longoria for the love and tender care that she gave Johnny for the last 3 years.
A special thanks to the staff at Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home for their loving care and kindness provided.