Dr. Stephen M. Dillinger

GREENFIELD – Dr. Stephen M. Dillinger, age 78, of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2013. He was born on December 5, 1934 in Indianapolis to Clifford A. and Evelyn C. (Wells) Dillinger. Dr Dillinger graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1952. He received his B.S. from Indiana University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1956 and later earned his M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1959. He studied theology at Denver Seminary where he met his wife Lenatte (Montzka) Dillinger and later married in St Paul in 1963. He received his surgery training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio and at Brooklyn Cumberland Hospitals in Brooklyn, New York. Stephen studied Tropical Medicine and French in Europe in 1968. He was a member of American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, and Christian Medical and Dental Association for 56 years. Dr. Dillinger’s life is defined by his service as a medical missionary in Ivory Coast, West Africa for 28 years. Lovingly known as “Dr Etienne”, he worked as a surgeon at the Baptist Mission Hospital in Ferkessedougou and shared God’s Word. For his work in this country, the president of Ivory Coast awarded him a Medal of the Order of Commander in Health Services, the highest medical honor given. Recently, the Navigator Maternity Clinic in Burkina Faso was named in his honor. In his later medical career, Dr. Dillinger worked with Gabrielsen Surgeons, Inc as a surgeon, and at Hancock Regional Hospital in the Emergency Room. He was a member of Park Chapel Christian Church; where he served as a Sunday School Teacher and a Mission Committee Member. He was a board member for Senior Services and Love, Inc. in Greenfield. Stephen found serenity in the outdoors pursuing his passions of fishing, camping, sailing and boat building which he shared with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lenatte “Lee” Dillinger; daughters, Kathryn L. Larson of Greenfield, Amy D. (James) Lorentsen of Wheaton, Illinois, Dawn R. Dillinger of Westfield, and Sarah Dillinger (Cory ) Blackwell of Indianapolis; and five grandchildren, Christina Larson, Kendra (Kenneth) Schultz, Jeremiah Larson, Addison Lorentsen and Zachary Lorentsen. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Gordon C. Dillinger, David A. Dillinger; and Judith L. Fisher. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Park Chapel Christian Church in Greenfield. Pastor David Woods will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Venture Mission or Navigators (Felix Kohol). Both can be mailed to c/o Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory 1484 W. US Hwy 40 Greenfield, IN 46140. Friends may share a memory or send a condolence atwww.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

Dr. Stephen M. Dillinger

December 5, 1934 - October 2, 2013