Wesley L. Dilno

Wesley Dilno knew what was important in life - family, friends and the joy of life itself. He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the nineteen years he spent with his beloved wife, Helen. Wesley had a natural talent for story telling that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout life.

The year was 1923 and America was in a time of rapid expansion. Cities were growing, and those trying to avoid the hectic pace of manufacturing enjoyed life in the small towns around the country. In 1923, Kalamazoo, Michigan was the best of both worlds – not quite a “hectic” city and not a “sleepy” small town. It was a good place to live and raise a family. Harry and Winifred (Parsons) lived in Kalamazoo, working and raising their two sons, Lee and Harvey. On a blustery October 25, 1923, their third son, Wesley, was born in the family home on James Street in Kalamazoo.

With two older brothers to play with, Wesley enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, growing up in the Oakwood neighborhood. In 1940, at the age of seventeen, Wesley, like many patriotic young men, joined the Navy. Wesley courageously served his country until his discharge in 1946.

After the war, Wesley met a lovely young woman named Mary Havens. A romance soon blossomed and the two were married. The marriage was blessed with three beautiful children, daughter Carolyn and sons David and Henry. Employed in one of Kalamazoo’s paper mills, Wesley worked hard to support his family. He had quite a talent for music, and when not working, enjoyed playing the organ and keyboard. He loved to play the old dance tunes from the Big Band Era of the 40’s and 50’s.

Tragically, Mary died in 1988. But Wesley was not to be alone for long. In November of 1988 he met a wonderful woman named Helen Wright. Helen had been a widow for three years and when they met at a dance, Wesley was immediately taken by her quiet beauty. Helen, in turn, often said she was also attracted to Wesley, partly because of his pretty gray hair and especially because of his gentlemanly manners. They were married on May 13, 1989.

Wesley enjoyed being outdoors and, like a lot of men, liked to hunt and fish. His lawn was his pride and joy and he was very fussy about its care. Everything had to be done in a particular way, or it wasn’t right. Needless to say, his yard was always beautiful. As particular as he was, critters were always welcome. Squirrels, cats, and birds – they could always count on Wesley for something to eat. After an evening of eating out, he often brought the leftovers home for the neighborhood cats. But his favorite was their dog, a Doberman they called Jenny.

Wesley and Helen liked to go dancing and even did a little bit of traveling. Their honeymoon took them to the sandy beaches of Hawaii, and they had also traveled to Florida, North Carolina and New Jersey to visit some of Helen’s relatives.

But no matter where he was, Wesley had no problems making friends. He was a natural storyteller, and when he spun one of his tall tales, filled with his special brand of humor, Wesley was soon surrounded by a charmed audience. His stories had that special ability to draw people in and bring a smile to their faces. If he didn’t have a story ready, then he told a joke, sure to make everyone laugh.

It was no wonder that Wesley was a member of several social groups in Otsego. He was active in the V.F.W., the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. His outgoing personality made him a welcome member to any organization.

This past April, Wesley underwent back surgery, but never fully recovered. He spent most of the last month in the hospital and died at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo on Saturday morning, May 3, 2008.

Wesley Dilno did not need great things in his life to make him happy. His family was the shining beacon in his life, and he was always in his glory when surrounded by the love and smiles of his precious grandchildren. Wesley was immensely happy simply being a loving husband, father and grandfather to the people who brought his life extraordinary joy. He will be deeply missed.

Learn more about Wesley, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Tuesday 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. A Scripture Service will be at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Otsego.

Members of his family include his wife Helen Wright Dilno, 2 children: Carolyn and her husband William Middleton and David and his wife Sandy Dilno; 7 grandchildren: Jodie Dilno, Davey Dilno, Christine Middleton, Brian Middleton, Scott McKinnon, Chelsey Dilno and Ashley Dilno; a niece Cheri Vandrey and a nephew Guy Dilno. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, a son Hank and stepdaughter Kathy Wright-Supalo.

Please visit Wesley’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the St. Margaret’s building fund.