Robert E. Dill Sr., 98

Pioneer Robert E. Dill Sr., 98, from Keota, IA, beloved father, grandfather, Big Papa and great-great grandfather, passed away peacefully September 2, 2024, in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Stewart, in 1945 in Iowa. They enjoyed 66 years of married life together before Marilyn passed away in 2011. 

Bob entered the United States Army in January 1946 and was honorably discharged in October 1947. In 1969, Bob moved his family to Lake Havasu City, AZ when he accepted a job offer from McAfee Gutherie to be a welder and heavy equipment mechanic. McAfee Gutherie laid gas, water and sewer lines in the city. Bob also laid gas line through the London Bridge. 

In 1979, Bob started working for the Buckskin Mountain Project maintaining the mole used to bore a 23-foot diameter tunnel in the first leg of the Central Arizona Project. He also worked on the first pumping station after the tunnel was completed. 

Bob retired from the Operating Engineers in 1983 and started working at the Lake Havasu Jr. High School as the facilities maintenance technician. Marilyn was the administrative assistant to the principal. Bob and Marilyn retired together from the Lake Havasu City School District in 1992.

Bob and Marilyn enjoyed traveling in their motorhome taking grandkids to see many wonders of the west. They eventually summered in Flagstaff, AZ.

Bob is survived by sisters Janice Royce and Cheryl Dill, children Robert (Joyce) E. Dill Jr. of Cheyenne, WY, Rick (Nancy) Dill of Panorama City, CA, Douglas (Mary) Dill of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Kristie (John) Linnenkamp of Lake Havasu City, AZ, grandchildren Camey (Jessie) Smith of Longmont, CO, Brent Dill of Torrance, CA, Robert (Jolee) Cochran of Torrance, CA, Tina Olson of Big Bear City, CA, Michel Dill of Torrance, CA, Todd (Kelsey) Dill of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Kyle Dill of Mohave Valley, AZ, Niki (Andy) Neill of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Cory Linnenkamp of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Kara Linnenkamp of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Bob had 28 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by wife, Marilyn, parents Cloyce (Shorty) and Bernice Dill, siblings Pauline Crull and Audrey Harvey, Gary Dill, Terry Dill, Deborah Dill, infant daughter Nikki Lea and daughter-in-law Nancy Dill.

Bob was also preceded in death by special companions Elenor Wilkinson and Nola Bartel in the 13 years after Marilyn passed. They both brought a lot of joy in Bob and his family’s life.

At Bob’s request, there will be no service and his ashes will be placed at the family plot in Keota, IA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to:

Hospice of Havasu PO Box 597 LHC, AZ 86405.