Light and Beauty in Times of Darkness

Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

June 25, 1942 ~ July 26, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Joseph Patrick William Dillon. His life was lived with compassion, resilience and joy, and has left an indelible mark upon his family, friends, colleagues and the broader community.

Joseph was born in Sioux City, Iowa on June 25, 1942, to parents Joseph Albert and Margaret Cecelia Dillon. The first of five children, he spent his childhood helping to care for his siblings, James Francis, John Robert, Margaret Ann and Rev. Jerome Vincent, learning the values of honesty, empathy and hard work. 

Family was always at the center of his universe. The bonds forged in youth between parents, siblings and extended relatives endured throughout his life, strengthened by love and mutual respect. 

Joseph married the love of his life, Genevieve (JoAnn) Drakulich, on May 22, 1963. They were married for 62 years and blessed with four children, Cynthia, Joseph, Chrysti and Ryan. And later with five grandchildren Kip, Faith, Zachariah, Joseph III and Xaviar. Together Joseph and JoAnn raised their family in the Midwest. Once their young family had left the nest, Joseph and JoAnn moved to St. George, Utah where Joseph eventually retired from Wells Blue Bunny. Together, they enjoyed a full and happy life of retirement that included their church, family and friends.

Beyond the responsibilities of daily life, Joseph was a person of diverse interests. A lifelong lover of reading, he enjoyed hundreds of books and was a student of Catholicism, politics and history. Joseph was also an avid sports fan, especially baseball. Joseph remained a loyal Yankees fan. He was active in the Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus of St. George Parish, supported the Elks Lodge, was an Army Reservist, and a veteran.

Joseph will be remembered for the relationships he built, friendships forged in trust, partnerships rooted in mutual respect, and a loving family that was always his greatest pride. Although a quiet man, he listened with empathy, advised with honesty, and celebrated the successes of others as joyfully as his own.

Though Joseph is no longer with us in body, he will remain a guiding light, reminding us that a well-lived life is measured not in years, but in the depth of connection, the generosity of spirit and the love that endures after life.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 8, 2025 at Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Omaha. Entombment: Resurrection Mausoleum.