Joseph C. Dillon

Joseph C. “Joe” Dillon, 78, of Davenport, Iowa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, with Father Hennen officiating. A wake will be held at the Cathedral on Tuesday, November 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with an additional visitation one hour prior to the Wednesday Mass. Burial with military honors presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America Quad Cities Chapter, will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial fund to be established in Joe’s name.

Joseph Claude Dillon was born on September 23, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Ann (Norton) Dillon. A proud veteran, Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He studied art and sociology at Loras College in Dubuque. On June 5, 1976, he married the love of his life, Mary “Susan” Kaufman, in Marshalltown, Iowa.

After serving in the military, Joe held various jobs before working at John Deere Plow and Planter Works in East Moline, where he was known for his strong work ethic. Joe dedicated over 27 years to the US Postal Service at the Rock Island/Milan Processing & Distribution Center, where he was admired for his hard work, humor, and camaraderie with coworkers.

Faith and family were central to Joe’s life. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral and a devoted “born again Catholic.” A true fisher of men, Joe had a profound gift for sharing his relationship with Jesus, faithfully spreading the gospel to family, friends, and strangers alike. He had a genuine love for people and a gift for connecting with others, often striking up conversations with anyone he met. Known for his beautiful penmanship, he often handwrote Bible verses to uplift those around him. He also loved outdoor activities—golfing, tennis, skiing, camping, and traveling—as well as his passion for art, cars, chopping wood, and wielding his chainsaw, even in recent weeks. Above all, Joe was deeply grateful to the Lord for his family.

Joe is survived by his cherished wife of 48 years, Susan; his four children, Shane (Amy Craft) Dillon of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kelcey (Daniel Matias) Dillon of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, Ryan (Morgan) Dillon of Eagan, Minnesota, and Joseph P. (Jessica) Dillon of Washington, D.C.; and his eight beloved grandchildren, Shailyn Dillon, Isabella Dillon, Ashlee, Cassidy, and Daniella Matias Dillon, and Donovan, Eleanor, and Evander Dillon.

Joe is also survived by his siblings, Patrick (Karen) Dillon, James (Lois) Dillon, and Thomas (Sue) Dillon, all of Dubuque, and Jerome “Jerry” Dillon of Sarasota, Florida; sister-in-law, Donna Dillon; and Susan’s siblings, Judy (Jake) Sullivan, Alice (Tom) Prochaska, Kathy DeMuth, Cindy (Bruce) Grether, Ann (Chuck) Vandermillen, and Janet (Kevin) Clendenen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Margaret “Peggy” Dillon, Kathleen “Kae” Edwards, Angela Kaune, Mike Dillon, and Susan Dillon; parents-in-law, John “Willy” and Viola (Engling) Kaufman; a brother-in-law, Jack Kaufman; sister-in-law, Carolyn Kaufman; and a niece, Trisha Clendenen.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Carr and his team, the Christian Hospitality Network in Rochester, and Genesis Hospice for the exceptional care and support provided to Joe.

Stories and condolences may be shared at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.