Jerome Dillman

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jerome James Dillman, age 65, of Lancer, SK, on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, SK. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Swift Current, SK. 

Jerome was born on November 27, 1958, in Prelate, SK to Anton “Tony” & Clara Dillman, the sixth of seven children. Jerome grew up in Lancer, SK and attended Lancer school from grades 1-6 and Abbey School from grades 7-12. He played on the school volleyball team and excelled in track and field. After graduating from high school in 1976, he attended Kelsey in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw for Journeyman Carpentry. In his 20’s he lived in Lancer and worked as a carpenter, and at the age of 23 started farming with his dad, Tony. He also spent time hunting, skiing, two stepping, and hanging out with his friends. 

Jerome and Sheila Dillman (née Pollock) dated in high school, split up post graduation, and then reconciled when he was 27. Jerome and Sheila were married February 18, 1989, and had two children, Skyler (Feb 20, 1990) and Desirae (Mar 7, 1993). Jerome & Sheila acquired farmland in their early 30’s. He continued to do carpentry on the side for work and in 1995 he built a home for his family. Jerome spent time watching his kids play softball and hockey, took his family camping and boating in the summers, skiing in the winter, and went on family vacations to the Rockies, the USA, Mexico, and once to New Zealand. Jerome enjoyed sports and in his young adult life, he played goalie for the Portreeve Pirates hockey team, played fastball, and then slow pitch for the Lancer Sooners. They called him “Fantail” as he was a star centre fielder. Jerome moved his family (and the house he built) into Swift Current, SK in 2006 while continuing to farm near Lancer. He played rec volleyball, went to Bronco and Swift Current Indians games, and watched his two children graduate from the Swift Current Comprehensive High School. In 2015 he and Sheila divorced.

In 2017 he began dating Marites “Thess” Oribello and they married on February 24, 2018. In 2019 her daughters, Trisha and Dana Juan joined them from the Philippines, and they attended Cabri School until their graduations. Jerome, Thess, and the girls spent time fishing, visiting friends and family, skiing, camping, and trying to convince Jerome to expand his dance moves beyond the two step. They shared their warm and welcoming Filipino culture with him and his side of the family by sharing their food, language, and traditions with them. In June of 2017, 2019, and 2021, Jerome welcomed his three grandchildren, Lucille “Lucy”, June, and Edgar “Eddie”.

In 2022 Jerome was diagnosed with CLL, and heart issues in 2024. He received a successful life-saving heart surgery on May 1, 2024. Unfortunately, his heart weakened further, which caused complications, and he passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Jerome had a kind, easygoing presence about him and had a lighthearted, contagious laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. He was a caring friend and a longtime farmer and carpenter in his community of Lancer, SK. 

Jerome “Picky” was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Marites Dillman; his beloved son, Skyler Dillman; his beloved daughter, Desirae Fritzke (Luke); his cherished stepdaughters, Trisha Juan and Dana Juan [children of Marites]; his treasured grandchildren, Lucille Fritzke, June Fritzke, Edgar Fritzke; his brothers, William Dillman (Naida) and Gerrard Dillman; his sisters, Marjorie Geissler, Shirley Riise (Arnie), Eileen Wilkinson, Annette Flath; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, Anton & Clara Dillman; and by his brothers-in-law, Albert Geissler, Michael Wilkinson, and Randy Flath.

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