Obituary Notice
Winifred J. Diller, 92, of Decatur passed away Saturday November 20, 2010.
Winifred graduated in 1942 from U of I with a fine arts degree, she had a long career in graphic design working for Boeing Airplane, Illinois and Colorado Highway Department, Chanute Air Force Base, Clinton Power Station and Lammert Furniture's of St. Louis.
This was followed by an active retirement working for the preservation of historical Decatur (Lincoln Square Theatre), and for the restoration of her near west side neighborhood (NWRAP), plus working in the Decatur history section of the Decatur Public Library. She received the Arthur Plager Award in 1990. She had a great artistic eye and could snap just one or two photo's of something, like the ones she took of the Illinois State Building in Chicago and went on to win 3rd prize with it at the State Fair.
Winifred is survived by her sister Emelie Diller; by her nieces of her late brother Walter: Lois (Ron Ernst) and Marilyn Diller; nieces and nephews of her late twin brother Alfred: Judy (Bob) Shierlock, Doug (Sandy) and Scott (Cindy) Diller; cousin Donald Diller and family; great and great great nieces and nephews all of whose photo's she tacked above her bed and doors and tried to keep up with. She also left loyal friends who were of great help to her and the family in her later years; Sue Hemp, Paula Cross and John Arnold.
Special thanks to many other friends and neighbors, Aspen Ridge Staff, First Baptist Church, First Lutheran Church who all cared for Winifred. Winifred was a strong willed, intelligent, feisty woman with an optimistic and caring outlook who will be sorely missed by many.
A service to celebrate Winifred's life will be 2:00 PM Saturday November 27, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home with visitation from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery. Condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com
Memorials are suggested to Historic Decatur Foundation or Lincoln Square Theatre.
Custom obituary written by family
Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home
515 West Wood St.
"A Life Celebration Home"
Les Condoléances dèrnières
| M. Foxx and K. Ward |
Neighbors |
February 10, 2011 |
Lois, Marilyn and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Wini's passing. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend her service. However, we wanted to share with you and others Wini's infectious love for children and art. In fact we witnesses on several occasions the brilliant smile and wonderful giggle she had when teaching the neighborhood kids how to start and finish little art projects.
Determined, kind, giving, and loving, Wini touched our lives and those who did not necessarily have a voice.
May the spirits that be hold both Wini and her sister in their loving arms.
Respectfully yours,
The Girls Down the Street
| Albert W Weidlich |
First Lutheran Church |
November 30, 2010 |
Dear Family of Ms. Diller,
It was my good pleasure to visit Ms. Diller in her home at the time I served
as visitation minister at First Lutheran Church. She was a gentle,intelligent, gracious lady , with many talents and stories and interests. She loved recieving the Lord's Supper.
She knew many people at First Lutheran and before she was confined to home, she was well known, maybe not by name, but by her regular presence at Church and her pleasant, cheerful manner.
May you take comfort in happy memories and the knowledge that she was a woman of faith.
| Mary M Dacar |
1st Lutheran Church member |
November 27, 2010 |
to the family of Winifred Diller:I am sorry for your loss. Winifred will be missed. The members of First Lutheran Church (for years) enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful signs and graphics that Winifred hand-lettered and the calligraphy that she was always willing to do in order to make church visitors feel welcome. She was always very quiet, but always willing to do "the little things" which are always noticed. I am unable to attend the visitation and funeral. ( I must work.) My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I am a complete person for having known Winifred.
