Evelyn Dill

Eveyln Riggan Dill was born in Hamilton, Alabama on February 13, 1933 passed peacefully in her home in Lincolnshire, Illinois on the fiscal new year, October 1, 2026.

She sang “Hit the Road Jack” less than a week before she passed on to a welcome committee in heaven. Her husband, William Edward, daughters Emily and Mary Elaine, grandson Brent, late life partner Dave and many other close friends and family members were ready to greet her with open arms.

Her accomplishments are rare and lovely. She always stood up for the underdog, in the quiet shadow of her passionate husband who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

She was raised by two lovely souls, Gainus and Zonia, who owned a gas station with a diner in the back. They unapologetically served people of color when it wasn’t allowed in a rural town in Alabama. She learned at an early age how to advocate.

She moved with her husband, eldest daughter and son to begin a new life in Waukegan, Illinois in 1953. She and Bill built an empire, together leaning on one another for the next 50 + years. Dill Brothers was a Steel fabrication business on paper, but much more in substance. Her children and grandchildren worked there to earn their keep and learned more from her than they could ever impart to others.

Evelyn was a beacon, a power, a legend, advocating for those who needed her voice. Sometimes she was a quiet advocate, sometimes she was louder for those who needed her. In 1975 she joined the Zion Woman’s Club and served as President in 1977-79. She went on to serve the 10 th District of General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) as Vice President and then President representing the district on the state board. She then served as GFWC Illinois Federation Education Chairperson, State Treasurer and finally Vice President of Membership and Northern Region Vice President, with her leadership positions spanning over 20 years. She was very proud of her 50 years of service to GFWC. She served for Zion Project Pride as a mentor to high school kids in need, meals on wheels was her jam, the Jubilee Days pageant was something she did for fun to make sure young girls had confidence. Outside of raising a family of 4 and taking care of her husband, her free time was spent running the Midwestern Medical Center’s annual fundraiser, which was something she looked forward to each year, the fight towards cancer still continues.

Evelyn and Bill were the recipients of the Golden Deeds award in 1998 for their endless philanthropy to the city of Zion, by the Chamber of Commerce. The letters all of you wrote in nomination of them are still in her home and are treasured. They would be equal parts embarrassed and honored for this mention.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Edward; her daughter-in-law, Lisa; her daughter, Kay; and her son-in-law, Steve Kreutzer. Her grandchildren include Tiffany Johnson Meikle and her husband, Guy W. Meikle; Adam Johnson and his wife, Deborah; Emmy Kay Elaine Dill; Kyle Kreutzer and his wife, Rachael; Trevor Kreutzer; and Dillon Kreutzer and his beloved girlfriend, Terian. She was also cherished by her great-grandchildren, Luca, Gio, and Marco Johnson, and Henry and Kennedy Kreutzer. A special thank-you to Don Wittrock, her right-hand man, and to Dave Denis, who was a steady companion and rock during the last ten years. We love you all.

Evelyn is being cremated, as she was too vain to have anyone looking over her saying “she looks so great.” Her services will be held at Congdon Funeral Home on Monday October 26, with visitation from 10am-12pm followed by a service at 12pm. Coffee and Doughnuts will be provided by CJ’s. A private family dinner will follow, just the way she would like it.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Emily Dill Johnson Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made payable to Kay Dill Kreutzer on behalf of Emily Dill Johnson Scholarship Fund. Please email Kaykreutzer@comcast.net for details on where to send your donation.