Dennis Dillman

Dennis J. Dillman May 27, 1939 - Oct. 25, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Dennis Joseph Dillman was the son of the late Marie G. (Heichelbach) and Joseph M. Dillman and passed away early October 25th, 2014. Dennis was a life-long resident of South Bend, IN. Dennis is survived by the love of his life and main squeeze, Patricia Ann Nawrot, of almost 50 years; daughter, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Schrader and son, Michael Dillman both of South Bend; sister, Joan (Dillman) Peterson of South Bend; brother-in- law. Gregory (Barbara) Nawrot of Granger, IN; five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joseph & Zachary Schrader, and Isabella and Griffin Dillman; nine nieces and nephews; and many loving great-nieces and nephews. Dennis had a life-long love affair with cooking and telling his stories and jokes. He taught his love of cooking to his children and grandchildren. Many people savored his meals, thoroughly enjoyed his many stories and jokes he told on a daily basis and no one left the table saying they were still hungry. He loved flipping the channels between his cooking shows, the history channel and watching the occasional football game. GO Irish! GO Bears! He served 45 years in Real Estate as an Appraiser, Realtor Broker and Homebuilder. He held office in all three organizations and served on local, state and national committees. He helped train 20 local and regional appraisal trainees and they became licensed as Appraisers in Indiana and Michigan. He also served as an appointed member on the St. Joseph County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeal. Dennis was very proud that he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1962, receiving an Honorable Discharge. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 303 and the Military Order of Devil Dogs. He was a member of the Achievement Forum, Italian-American Heritage Society, Council Oak Lodge #745 F & AM, life member of Scottish Rite, York Rite (Chapter, Council and Commandery), A.A.O.N.M.S., the South Bend Shrine Club, a Patron and Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a Hospice volunteer for five years, Meal Committee of Hope Rescue Mission for ten years, a member of Little Flower Roman Catholic Church for 45 years, the Meal Committee of the church for 25 years, co-founding board member (40 years ago) for the St. Joseph County Big Brother Program and supported the merger between the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30th in St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Dr. Cremation will follow with graveside services and military honors at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 31st, in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 29th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd. where a Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dennis loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family, all children and flowers. In lieu of flowers, he requested that you send any donation to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA, 22172; St. Jude's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or Shriner Children's Hospital, 2211 North Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL, 60707. Or a rose or dandelion would be nice. Dennis J. Dillman (Papa Oohrah!) had a wonderful life. He will miss his family, friends and "all you all". He will watch over you and welcome you to the next life. Semper Fi!