Dr. Stephen M. Dillinger
Dr. Stephen M. Dillinger, 78, of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at Springhurst Health Campus. He was born Dec. 5, 1934, in Indianapolis, the son of Clifford A. and Evelyn C. (Wells) Dillinger.
He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1952. Dr. Dillinger received his B.S. Degree from Indiana University in 1956 and later his M.D. Degree from the Indiana School of Medicine in 1959. He married Lenatte “Lee” (Montzka) Dillinger in 1963 in St. Paul, Minn.
He served as a medical missionary in the Ivory Coast for 28 years. In 1994, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Commander in Health Services, the highest medical honor given to non-Ivorian citizens for his work in the health care system. Stephen was a member of Park Chapel Christian Church; while there, he served as a Sunday School Teacher and a Mission Committee Member. He received his surgery training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and Brookland Cumberland Hospitals in Brookland, N.Y.
In preparation for his work in the Ivory Coast, Stephen studied Tropical Medicine and French in Antwerp, Belgium. Dr. Dillinger worked with Dr. Ted Gabrielsen for five years as a surgeon, and then for seven years at Hancock Regional Hospital in the Emergency Room. Stephen was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, a member of American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, and Christian Medical and Dental Association for 56 years.
He was a board member for Senior Services, a board member and helped start Love, Inc. in Greenfield, and a member of Prime Timers Seniors Group at Park Chapel. Most recently, the Navigator Maternity in Burkina Faso was named in his honor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lenatte “Lee” Dillinger; daughters, Kathryn L. Larson of Greenfield, Amy E. (James) Lorentsen of Wheaton, Ill., Dawn R. Dillinger of Westfield, and Sarah (Cory) Blackwell of Indianapolis; and five grandchildren, Christina Larson, Kendra (Kenneth) Schultz, Jeremiah Larson, Addison Lorentsen and Zachary Lorentsen.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gordon C. Dillinger and David A. Dillinger; and sister, Judith L. Fisher.
Visitation will be from 2- 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie, Greenfield, Ind. Pastor David Woods will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Venture Mission or Navigators (Felix Kohol). Both can be mailed to c/o Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory 1484 W. US Hwy 40 Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
