James O. Dilger, 78, Ferdinand

James O. Dilger of Ferdinand passed away at 1:30 a.m. on June 5, 2022, at his home.  

James was born August 26, 1943, to Hubert and Phyllis (Danhauer) Dilger. 

He married Darlene V. Recker on September 16, 1972, in St Ferdinand Catholic Church in Ferdinand.  He graduated from Dale High School in 1961. He was the owner of Jims’s Feed Service in Mariah Hill for 35 years.

He farmed and raised hogs, turkeys, cattle and hay.  He enjoyed playing cards, getting together with friends, planting flowers and gardening. 

He also was a fan of IU basketball and L.A. Dodger baseball. 

He was a member of Christ the King Church in Ferdinand, St Joseph Sodality, Ferdinand Community Center and Ferdinand American Legion for over 50 years.  

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Darlene (Recker); two sons, Randy and Gregory Dilger of Scottsburg; daughter-in-law, Jessica of Scottsburg; grandchildren, Brittney, Bethany, Kathlyn, Gregory Jr.; one stepson, Derreck; one great-granddaughter, Renee; along with nieces and nephews.  

He is also survived by four brothers, Bill of Huntingburg, Leon (Doris) and Larry (Janet) of Mariah Hill and Earl (Shirley) of Lake Land Florida; two sisters, Maria and Sandy of Mariah Hill; also surviving are sister-in-laws Janice(Janie) Gogel, Lucille Recker of Ferdinand, Ruth Dilger of Tell City, Sandy Dilger of Santa Claus and Janie Dilger of Mariah Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Phyllis Dilger, 3 brothers Alvin, Dennis, Herb and one sister Emogene.

A mass of Christian Burial for James O. Dilger will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Christ the King Catholic Church in Ferdinand with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Ferdinand American Legion will conduct military graveside rights. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, and Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand.   

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church and Sisters of St Benedict Ferdinand. 

Condolences may be made at www.becherfuneralhome.com.