Steven Dilger

steven dilger

Steven Frank Dilger, 85, Fargo ND, passed away Wednesday at home in the loving care of his family and Hospice of Red River Valley.

Steven was born to Adam and Margaret Dilger at his grandparents’ house in Hazen ND in 1927.

At age nine he had a miraculous recovery from a near fatal sledding accident.

Steven served in the Army 77th Division from 1945 to 1946 where he drove tank and heavy machinery in Japan.  He served in the Air Force Military police from 1946 – 1948, in both Japan and Roswell AZ.  

After serving his country, Steven worked for Firestone from 1949 – 1950 on the Garrison dam project.

In 1950 Steven went to work for Midwest Motor Express Bismarck and then Fargo and retired in 1990 after 40 years.  Steven was a Teamster for 40 years.

Steven married the love of his life Darlys Ann Eisenmann in 1960 with Tom Dilger and Norma Renfrow at their side as best man and maid of honor in Bismarck ND.  Steven and Darlys lived in Bismarck ND and then Fargo ND.  Darlys passed in 1995, a few days short of their 35th anniversary.  Steven and Darlys were parishioners of Holy Spirit Catholic Church since 1966.

Steven and Darlys had seven children.  Steven (Mardi), Dawn, Melody (Rod Janke) Darby, Michael (Kathy) Michele (Robin Toso) and Troy (Amanda)

As a young man Steven loved water skiing, fishing, boating and golf. Steven loved playing cards with his brothers and in later years with his beloved card groups (they always made him smile.)

Steven is preceded in death by his parents Adam and Margaret Dilger, wife of almost 35 years  Darlys Ann, brothers; Joe, Christ, John, Bill and Alex, sisters; Hildegard, Cecilia and Mary.

Steven is survived by brothers: Adam, Pius, Tom and sister Lorraine, children: Steven (Vadnais Heights MN), Dawn (Fargo, ND), Melody (Apple Valley MN), Darby(South St Paul MN), Michael (Broomfield, Co), Michele (West Fargo ND) and Troy (Fargo, ND), grandchildren: Ali, Cami, Zach, Cody, Chantal, Brandon, Stepheni, Samantha, Kayleigh, Josie, Mitchel, James, Tianna, Jake, Gretchen, Aryn, Amanda, Michael and Emma and special friend Evangeline.

Steven was a beloved husband and father, father- in- law, grandfather and friend.   His humor and loving spirit will live on in all he knew. 

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Hospice of Red River Valley, 1701 38th Street South #101  Fargo, ND 58103.

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  1. Moorhead MN
    My Sympathies to all of Steve’s family. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile on. I have so many great memories at the Dilger House….there was always something going on…Steve’s Sunday pancakes were the best….a tradition i hope each of the kids will pass on to their own families. Steve & Darlys together again…God Bless & Wrap his loving arms around you Steve.

  2. Fargo ND
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike and Michele, and the rest of your family. It is so hard to lose a parent. He has a very loving smile. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless your families.

  3. Fargo Our sincere condolances to the Dilger family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerly,
    Jerome and Shirley Zander and family

  4. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We loved when we got to see Uncle Steve, I always remember him smiling and so easy going, I wish we could have seen him more and I wish we could be there for all of you now. Rest in Peace Uncle Steve
    Love and Prayers,
    Tracy, Keith, Paige, Holly, Olivia, Drake and Jack

  5. Peoria ILDear Dilger family, please know that you are all held close in prayer during these days of saying goodbye to your dear dad. I will always remember him as a very kind man. Peace, Mary Jo Zacher

  6. oakley CAMy heart goes out to all of the Dilger Family. My thoughts are with you all during this time. He was a wonderful person. R.I.P. Steven Dilger xoxo.

  7. redding californiawe got to know this wonderful man&his wife daryls ~~~in fargo, their daug michel married our son robin in 1990 in fargo~~we were all forunate to have four grand children that we are proud~~~ steve liked making funny pan cakes for all of g kids~~~ they loved him so~~~ may god bless all~~~ stan &martha toso` redding, ca

  8. Highlands Ranch COLORADOI have been thinking of all of you today since Melody said she said Good-Bye to “Dad.” I always remember your family as close and loving. My thoughts are with you. Beth McGarvey Dronen

  9. Wyoming MnWe are sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
    Wade & Debbie Tschida

  10. Firestone CORest in Peace Uncle Steve. I missed out on a lot of family time growing up in Colorado, but I will always hold dear the memories I do have of you , Aunt Darlys and my cousins!

  11. Bismarck N.D
    .Yes, it has been 69 years since we played as little boys. The value of prayer after that terrible sled ride. I did get to see Steve after that while he worked for Midwest Motor Express. Often wondered how Steve was doing. From the obituary I am glad that he enjoyed life. His family was that in itself, joy regardless of the hardship. Ma Dilger and her barrel of pickles in the basement, filled with brine and squirt all over when you bit into them.
    Funny how all of us went our seperate ways and never or rarely seen each other again.

  12. Chesterfield MIYou all are in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry I cannot be there, please know Uncle Steve was very special to me and our family. He has shown my Dad support through some very difficult times. He always made us smile and laugh, my kids loved hearing his stories as we all did. It is a bit comforting knowing he is with your Mom now, holding hands as they watch over every one of you.

    With lots of love,
    Patty,Brendan and Riley

  13. Tacoma WashingtonRest in Peace Uncle Steve. I will always remember the fun times coming to visit you and Aunt Darlys and all the cousins!! I remember how much fun we had when you came out for my wedding!! Who knew you were such a great dancer!! Your sweet smile will always remain in my heart.

    See you in heaven!

    Love,

    Carla

  14. Milford MISteve, Dawn, Melody, Michael,Michelle,Darby and Troy,
    All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We are so sorry we are unable to be there during this time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers today and everyday. We have such fond and very wonderful memories of all of you guys when we use to come to North Dakota
    so many years ago. Your in our thoughts and prayers, please stay strong and take care.

    Love,
    Uncle Tom
    Pam, Steve, Zach and Ben

  15. Beulah North Dakota
    We just can’t find the words to exspess on your loss. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you always!! So many good memories to remember, just remember he’s in good hands. And the help of the good Lord will be with you always. Love you all!! Ernie and Gloria

  16. Bismarck ND
    Dawn and family members, we send our symppthy to all of you at this time of loss. We had plans to come to visit on Monday and the Good Lord had better plans. I am learning more and more that if you want to see God laugh make your own plans.
    We know all too well the sadness of loss so we share our prayers with you and will see you soon, if God allows.
    Joe & Judy A JOhs


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