Tillie Dilger

Clotilda "Tillie" Dilger, 87, Mandan, was embraced in the loving arms of the Lord and brought to her heavenly home on December 7, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 13 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12 at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. 

Tillie was born August 8, 1937 to Henry and Bergetta (Klein) Harsche at her family home in Shields, North Dakota. 

She grew up on the family farm until she moved to Bismarck in her teens and began her first job at Woolworth’s in Bismarck. After attending Interstate Business College, Tillie started working at the Bismarck Highway Department. On April 22, 1961, Tillie married Joe Dilger and together they had three children. Tillie loved being a mother to Constance, Mark, and Kurt. She enjoyed watching them grow, spending time together as a family, and spoiling them with her delicious meals and treats. Even when her kids grew up and left the house, she would send them home with her borscht soup, dozens of her delicious cookies and lots of leftovers. Her homemade cheese buttons were a family favorite! Each dish was amazing because they were all made with a special ingredient: love. Her recipes have been passed down throughout the years, and continue to be made by her children and grandchildren. 

Tillie and Joe created an unbreakable bond with their children, often spending time together on the river, going camping, and gathering for family meals and holidays. When grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she became the best grandma and great-grandma. Tillie’s happiness came from her family, and she treasured every moment with them. 

She kept a strong faith in God, despite the challenges that came her way. Proverbs 31:25-28 says, “She is clothed in dignity and strength. When she speaks, her words are wise and she gives instruction with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household. Her children stand by and bless her. Her husband praises her.” She was instrumental in bringing her children to church, showing Gods Loves to us and strengthening their relationship with Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She was a loving, nurturing, and caring mother and wife. Her unconditional Love and acceptance for others exemplified Jesus in her life. 

Tillie enjoyed keeping a tidy home and liked to spend time relaxing at home. She was always dressed up with all sorts of jewelry and her signature red or burgundy lipstick! Tillie is remembered for her sense of humor and quick wit. Her laugh will be dearly missed and her life will be celebrated by all who loved her. 

She had a special bond with her sister, Helen. They often shared lunch together, enjoying taco salad and clam diggers. There was a special place in Tillie’s heart for her godchild, Anita. 

Tillie is survived by her husband, Joseph; children, Constance (Don) Keller and Kurt Dilger; grandchildren, Alexa (Trever) Uhlman and Brandon Keller; great-grandchildren, Elara, Orianna, and Ahnika; and her brother, Joseph Harsche.  

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Dilger; parents, Henry and Bergetta Harsche; sisters, Maggie, Barbara, Anna, Helen and Rose; brother, Emmanuel and Anton Sr.