On March 26, 1966, John was married in Fremont to Caren Dickerson. They had owned and operated Victory Service on West Military Street before he went to work for Oilgear here in Fremont. This past December he began his 29th year of employment with Oilgear.
John was a member of the First Christian Church and was currently serving as an Elder. He had been part of his church group, along with other church groups, that traveled to Post Arthur, Texas to work with Habitat for Humanity, to help with the Katrina cleanup. John had served in the National Guard from 1969 to 1975, and was a member of American Legion Post 20.
Survivors: wife - Caren
son - Jason Lillie of Cedar Bluffs, and special friend Becky Kerwin
daughter - Tahnee and husband David Siders of Omaha
grandson - Dillon Siders of Omaha
mother - Blanche Lillie of Fremont
sister - Virginia and husband N. Dwain Acker of Omaha
special children - Sam Heineman and Gessica Gdowski
nieces and nephews
John was preceded in death by his father Wallace Lillie.
The funeral service will be 2 PM Wednesday (April 9th) at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Dr. N. Dwain Acker will officiate. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church and the Dodge County Humane Society.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Tuesday from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Condolences(25)
Mike & Cindy Gardeman
Fremont, NE Thursday, April 10, 2008Jeff Peterson
Fremont, NE Wednesday, April 9, 2008 To Caren and your family: So very sorry for your loss. John was one of the "good guys". Any time I saw him he had smile on his face on and spring in his step. He wil definitely be missed.Gary Bokowski
Milwaukie, OR Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Caren, I am very sorry to hear about John. It's been a long time but I still have many fond memories of both of you. Please know that I am thinking about you. GaryNorma Hagerty
Fremont, Ne Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Dear Caren: You may not remember me but I graduated with you in '59. I was Norma Jessen then. I lost my husband (Dan Hagerty) in 2005 so I know what you are going through. It sounds like John was a christian as was Dan so we know we will see them again. I am so very sorry about your loss and I know you will miss him so very much. It does get better with each passing day. Keep trusting the Lord and allow your family and friends to help you through this. God Bless!!!! Love, NormaChad and Betsy Hurt
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 8, 2008Chris and Nichole Porter
, Tuesday, April 8, 2008Richard and Kathy Edwards
Fremont, Ne Tuesday, April 8, 2008Angie Backens
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Caren and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can do.Kyle Von Seggern
hooper, ne Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Always enjoyed talking with John. It was always fun to get together at the Lillie house after softball games... John and Carin would take us in like one of their own kids. My thoughts and prayers are with Carin, Jason, and Tahnee, having also losing someone close, it's hard, that's when family and friends are there for support. How meaningful to have Mike officiate the funeral. Jason, Mike and I really haven't kept in touch, but I will always appreciate the times we had together.....Trishia (Jones) Frost
Lincoln, Ne Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Caren, Tahnee and Jason, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Ramona Johnson Oliver
Lincoln, ne Monday, April 7, 2008 I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I know he will be sadly missed. mom always thoought alot of John too. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. RamonaDianne Hilbers
Lyons, Ne Tuesday, April 8, 2008 I want to say how sorry I am for your loss. I know this must be a great loss and my prayers will be with you. If you need to talk just call me. Dianne from Dr. Andersons office.Jim Leigh
phoenix, Az Monday, April 7, 2008Teresa, Steve, Sam and Jack Fitzgerald
McKinney, TX Monday, April 7, 2008 Our hearts and prayers are with you.Jeff Ramig
Fremont, NE Monday, April 7, 2008 Growing up down the street, I played lots of baseball in the back yard with John and Jason, now it is a hotel. I'm glad to see Mike officiating the funeral. I had heard he was ill and hadn't seen Mom in Walmart for a few weeks! I was hoping for his recovery. All my blessings to Mom, Jason and TawneeAmanda Petersen
Kearney, NE Monday, April 7, 2008 Caren- I'm thinking of you and your family. John was a vey special guy and I have lots of great memories of the both of you. It wasn't a Friday night unless you saw you guys with Dave & Sonja at Walmart after dinner. My prayers are with you. AmandaMARLA Cone and BRAD Cone
fremont, NE Tuesday, April 8, 2008 We are so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing man. I always enjoyed seeing him, his comments always made me laugh or smile. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.George and Kathy Riggle
Omaha, NE Monday, April 7, 2008 Dear Caren, Jason and Tahnee, Our hearts and prayers are with you. It's hard to let go, especially at such a young age. Please call if there is anything we can do.Tom & Susan Hartman
Bellingham, WA Monday, April 7, 2008 We'll miss you, John.......and your fudge & toffee, too!Carolyn Heier
Lincoln, Ne Monday, April 7, 2008Rod & Linda Williams
Omaha, Ne Monday, April 7, 2008Betsy Fisher
Fremont, Ne Monday, April 7, 2008 John was one of the kindest and sincere men I have ever known. Always had a smile and a kind word for everyone that he met. He will definitely be missed.TOM DUDZINSKI
OMAHA, NE Monday, April 7, 2008Vivian (Kolb) Richardson
Albany, OR Monday, April 7, 2008Randall and Marlene Redding
Fremont, Ne Monday, April 7, 2008