Frank Dillow

Frank Dillow (89) formerly of Kewanee, IL died March 15, 2026 at Quartet Senior Living in Bettendorf, IA. Funeral services will be held on March 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM at The First Congregational Church of Kewanee, with Pastor Justin Rumley officiating. Visitation will be at the Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 PM on March 19 and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in the Wethersfield Cemetery.

Frank was born in Union County near Dongola, IL on December 7, 1936 to Walter E. and Louise (Branch) Dillow. He married Elaine Rosenberry in Galesburg, IL on August 23, 1959.

Surviving are son, Doug (Tammie) Dillow of New Braunfels, TX; daughters, Cheri Elges of Bettendorf, IA, and Kim (Todd) Brue of Tomball, TX. Grandchildren are Tim (Kimberly) Dillow, Patrick (Hayden) Dillow, Andrew Elges, Zachary Elges, Daniel Brue, Trevor (Chandler) Sparks, Matthew Brue, MaryBeth Brue, and Logan (Jenna) Brue. Step grandchildren are Jeremy (Emily) Elges, Josh (Jenny) Elges, Jelena (Brandon) Beideman. Great grandchildren are McKinley Dillow, Lyla Dillow, Jack Dillow, Sam Dillow, Raava Brue, and EllaMira Brue. Step-great grandchildren are Katarina Tolic, Luka Elges, Mia Beideman, Chayton Sparks, Lola Sparks, Micah Sparks, and Bennett Sparks. Also included in this list are so many of Cheri's day care children who called him Grandpa.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; parents; son-in-law Ernie Elges; sisters Anita Mitchell and Lura Dene Parke; brother Gene Dillow; brother-in-laws Glen Mitchell and Les Parke; and sister-in-law Jane Dillow.

Frank graduated from Dongola High School and Southern Illinois University with the degrees of Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education. He did additional graduate studies at Illinois State University and the University of Colorado.

While in high school, he was awarded the State Farmer degree by the Future Farmers of America. With his projects of Hampshire hogs and Polled Hereford cattle, he was able to finance his four years of college.

He taught music at Barry Community Unit Schools; band and chorus at Carthage Community H.S.; and chorus at Pontiac Township H.S. for a total of 26 years. While at PTHS., the choruses won many Superior ratings at State of Illinois Contests. Plaques filled the chorus room walls as a result of these top ratings. Frank and Elaine then moved to Kewanee, and for 14 years operated the Dairy Queen, where they won an award for reaching one million dollars in sales. The Kewanee D.Q. was the third D.Q. in the state of Illinois to reach this goal. After retirement, Frank clerked part time at the Wonder Bread store for 14 years. Frank was a dog lover; especially Red, Mimi, Twinkie, and Toby. He volunteered at the Kewanee Shelter walking many dogs.

Frank requested former students in attendance at the service, sing "Because He Lives," as a Choir. Roger Amm will lead this group and conduct a rehearsal in the Chapel, 45 minutes prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the Frank & Elaine Dillow Music Scholarship Fund. Checks may be written to the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (memo line should note "Frank & Elaine Dillow Music Scholarship Fund") and mailed to IL Prairie Community Foundation, 915 East Washington St. Suite 2, Bloomington, IL 61701. Or leave a donation online at Frank & Elaine Dillow All-State Choir Scholarship.