Obituary of Glen J. Dill

Glen J. Dill, 90 of Iowa City died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City. Glen Junior Dill was born September 15, 1922, in Walkerton, IN the son of Delbert and Jennie Bell (Davis) Dill. Growing up in Indiana and Illinois he attended and later graduated from Stockland High School where he was a "basketball star" coming from a class of 9, with 5 of them males! After high school Glen enlisted in the United States Army during WWII. He served as a sergeant of the 745th Tank Battalion that landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. In his military years he was awarded the Purple Heart, and Silver Star in addition to a number of other commendations of his service to our country. In 2009 he was recognized by the French Government for his service in a ceremony in Chicago, receiving the French Legion of Honor. Returning to Indiana, he married Jean B. Kozik on June 8, 1946. The couple lived in La Porte, IN for a number of years until moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Glen worked for the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 26 years, while he and Jean raised their family. He was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Fe. In 2004, Glen and Jean moved to the Iowa City area to be closer to family, and the excellent health care that was provided here. Glen had macular degeneration which left him legally blind, but did not slow his zest for life. He was a 14 year veteran of the annual Blind Veterans Golf Tee Tournament held in the Iowa City area. Traveling the country side or anywhere in the world, Glen was in his glory to be on the go with his family and friends. A more avid Cub fan could not be found. To celebrate his 90th birthday, his wish was to invite family and friends to join him at Wrigley Field and watch the Cubs play. That wish was fulfilled on his 90th birthday, September 15th, which happened to be a home game for the Cubs. In addition to his love of sports, he loved the days of the Big Band Era, listening to Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and others while reminiscing of days past. But most dear to Glen was his family. He was extremely proud of his children; he and Jean worked hard to see they all had college degrees. And as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, he was all smiles; he loved them all and was loved deeply in return. Glen is survived by his children, Douglas Dill (Christina) of Colorado Springs, CO, Rebecca Devor (Eric) of Iowa City, Julie Dill of Houston, TX, Tim Dill (Gailanne) of Grinnell, IA; son-in-law, Christian Voelcker of Red Bank, NJ; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Jean on November 21, 2009, and nine brothers. There were many blessings in Glen's life, and some of those came when he and Jean moved to the Iowa City area. Glen and Jean appreciated and cherished all the staff and friendships made at Melrose Meadows over the years. Glen would tell you we have one of the best, if not the best, Veterans Administration Hospitals in the country where he received the finest care for years. In his last days, his family could not have asked for any more compassionate care than their dad received, especially from nurse Emily Landan. The family would also like to express their deep appreciation for the love and care provided by Dan Ciha following the passing of both Glen and Jean. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Glen's life will be held at 3pm Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. Following the mass, there will be a time for "cake and coffee" for family and friends in the parish hall of the church. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for the streets near the church). Glen and Jean's ashes will be inurned at the Rock Island National Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Glen's memory to the Blind Veterans Association, The National Veterans Tee Tournament, Alzheimer's Association or the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.