John R. P. Dillon

John Ralph Patrick Dillon, 83, of Viroqua died Friday, June 04, 2010. John Ralph Patrick Dillon, 83, of Viroqua died Friday, June 04, 2010. John was born in Valpraiso, IN to Austin and Anna (Goggins) Dillon on June 20, 1926. He served during World War II in the United States Navy on the USS Burgess and later attended St. Norberts College in DePere. On October 7, 1972 John was united in marriage to Leona "Lee" Melvin. He worked as a construction supervisor for AT&T for over 35 years. After retirement John bought his little farm In West Prairie where he spent his remaining years, until his death. PaPa was most content just being outside caring for his lawn, trees, buildings and driving his tractors. John is survived by his wife Leona "Lee"; children Karen (Richard) Gehrke of Genoa, Kevin (Karen) Kriigle of Camp Douglas, Linda Jerdee of Cashton; grandchildren Cody and Carrie Gehrke, Sean Jerdee, Julie Dillon; 2 great-grandchildren Jack Dillon and Decimus Gehrke; siblings Agnes Williams of McKinney, TX, Jo Ann Dillon of Milwaukee, Jimmy (Buddy) Klicka of Murfreesboro, TN, Margaret Mankovecky of Little Chute, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Helen; and beloved dog "Duke." A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua. Father Robert J. Cook will officiate will full military honors to follow at the church. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.