Mike P. Dillinger, 79, Dickinson, died from heart complications on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant and assisted by Deacon Ron Keller and Deacon Jerry Volk. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m.

Mike P. Dillinger was born June 29, 1931 in Dickinson, the son of Christ and Susanna (Keller) Dillinger. He was raised and educated in the Gladstone and Dickinson area.

Mike married Caroline Schwindt on September 24, 1951, and together they farmed until 1981, when they moved into Dickinson and he went to work as a mechanic for Black Hills Trucking until retirement in 2004. Mike never lost his love for farming, he always raised a garden to give to his friends and family.

Mike enjoyed playing cards, going to auction sales, having rummage sales, and working around his garage. Mike was a faithful man and loved his family, and especially loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around. He truly enjoyed having coffee with his buddy Stanley.

He belonged to the St. Anthony Club, the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s Church, and West River Community Center.

Mike is survived by his wife, Caroline; their four children, Paul Dillinger, Sr., Bismarck, Evelyn (Willy) Holz, Dickinson, Randy (Lynette) Dillinger, Dickinson, and Susan (Darren) Buchholz, Dickinson; nine grandchildren, Michael (Mandy) Dillinger, Tammy (Kevin) Bingeman, Paul (Ali) Dillinger, Jr., Daniel (Delanee) Dillinger, Allen (Laura) Hondl, Charles Dillinger, Bryan (Kristin) Buchholz, Kristen Buchholz, and Kellan Buchholz; eight great-grandchildren; and six sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Julia (John) Gunwall, Mary Stroh, Betty (Leo) Kuntz, Eleanor Murphy, Delores (Gene) Glaser, and Jeanette (Dick) Stradinger. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Christ; one sister, Eleanor Cherb; his grandparents; six uncles; one aunt; and two brothers-in-law, Dan Stroh and William Murphy.