Donald A. Dillinger, 86, of Auburndale, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, at The House of The Dove, with his loving family by his side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Auburndale, with Father Angi officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday at Rembs Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service time on Friday at St. Mary’s Church. St. Mary’s Parish Council of Catholic Women will recite the rosary at 4:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
Born on March 27, 1938, in Auburndale, Don was the son of Andrew Frank and Mary Teresa (Karl) Dillinger. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Auburndale and later married his beloved wife, Regina Catherine Konrardy, on August 22, 1964, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hewitt.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Regina; sons Michael and James Dillinger (Tami); his parents; and his sisters, Eileen (Jon) Kolbeck and Lucille (Daryl) Gremban. He is survived by his daughter Laura Cernohous (Nick); son Brian Dillinger (Jackie); daughter-in-law Tami Dillinger; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Matt Monson (Kenzie), Alyssa Monson, Dylan Fleischman (Andrea), Zoey Haupt (Zach), Brooklyn Dillinger, Heather Dillinger, Monica Dillinger, and Megan Dillinger. Don was also a proud great-grandfather to Amalia Haupt and Addelyn Monson. He is further survived by his brother, Richard (Patricia) Dillinger.
A man of deep love and devotion to family, Don’s greatest joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Family always came first, and he took great pride in supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Don had a lifelong passion for baseball—especially the Brooklyn Dodgers, later the Los Angeles Dodgers—and was a dedicated fan who cheered for his team through the years. While he also supported the Milwaukee Brewers, the Dodgers were always number one in his heart.
Don’s career began in the mid-1950s at WD Connor Farms before he started working at the Auburndale Schools in 1966. He spent 35 years as a dedicated employee in the elementary school, earning the distinction of being the longest-lasting “student” in the school’s history. In addition, Don drove a school bus for Kiefer Bus Service for 44 years. He retired in 2003, enjoying a well-deserved break that allowed him to travel, attend sporting events, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Don’s love for baseball extended beyond watching the game; it was an integral part of his life. As a young boy and throughout adulthood, he collected baseball cards and played the game whenever possible. He was part of several championship teams and later became a coach and manager, sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with young players. Don had a special gift for teaching the game, instilling skills and passion in all who played under his guidance.
Don was an active member of the Auburndale Lions Club and a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking—creating birdhouses, marble boards, and crafts for anyone who wanted them. He was also a regular at local high school sporting events, particularly enjoying baseball, basketball, and volleyball games. On Thursday afternoons, Don could be found playing cards with friends, and if you stopped by his home, he’d likely talk you into a game of marbles or cards.
Don’s zest for life was infectious, and he seemed to possess the “secret” to living fully and with joy. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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