Gloria Jean Dilenbeck

Gloria Jean (Fortune) (Wright) Dilenbeck, 94, of Geneseo passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Allure, Geneseo.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 26th at First United Methodist Church, Geneseo.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday at Stackhouse-Moore Funeral Services, Geneseo.  Memorials may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Geneseo or the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo

Gloria was born January 28, 1928 in Prophetstown, IL to Gaylord and Katherine (Vidmar Deal) Fortune. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1945.  She was united in marriage to John Edward “Beefy” Wright on March 1, 1946.  They later divorced.  She was later united in marriage to Charles Dilenbeck on October 10, 1958 in Davenport, IA  She helped Charles on the farm and worked for Pinks Bus Service for 31 years logging in many miles on her daily bus routes, after school activities and charter trips.  She and her bus driving friends would meet each day after their routes at the Iron Kettle where they played cards and shared many laughs.  She also drove for the Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

Gloria was a member of Geneseo First United Methodist Church for over 60 years and had a very strong faith.  She was also an avid bowler for most of her life and bowled on the Wednesday night league.  She and her team went to state several times and she twice won individual events at the Illinois Women’s State tournament.  She loved driving and taking day trips with anyone who would want to go – especially, to find a new restaurant or go to an old favorite!

Survivors include three daughters, Shelle Gucker, Valley Center CA, Tracy Dilenbeck, and Gina (Bob) Ashley of Geneseo; a grandson, Camden Holper, Andover; sister Marlene “Muggs” Gray, Green Valley AZ; brother John Fortune, Decatur AL and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Lew Wright; siblings, Carol Bowman, Raymond Fortune and Dennis Fortune; brother-in-law Ed “Wack” Gray and nephews, Guy Gray, James Gray, Douglas Fortune and Michael Harrison.