John T. Von Dissen

John Von Dissen of Ottawa, Illinois, died September 2, 2024, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a brief, yet brave battle against ALS.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 20, 1948. He attended Lincoln Park High School in Chicago and served in the Army from 1969 to 1975. After service in Korea, he returned to the Chicago area before eventually moving to Ottawa, Illinois to raise his family. John retired from Exelon in 2002 after working 30 years at the LaSalle County Station. 

He maintained his Chicago roots by visiting the city often with his family, sharing the beaches, museums, zoos, and history with them. He was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan as well. John enjoyed traveling and spent his early retirement years sampling some of his favorite parts of the country, including Arizona, Oklahoma, Florida, and Wisconsin before returning to settle in Ottawa. He especially enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, music, and attending live performances. His love for life included a keen sense of humor, never shying away from a good opportunity to crack a joke, pull off a prank, and join in the laughter. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Von Dissen, sister Maudie Conti, and brother Charles Von Dissen. He is survived by his sister Theresa Milich, daughters Becky Von Dissen and Amy Von Dissen Fenney, his granddaughters Morgan and Mara Fenney and Lucia Von Dissen, as well as life-long friends Joe and Bonnie Terrones.

Memorial services will be private at a later date.