Dillon Matthew Wichman

Dillon Matthew Wichman, 28, of Hamburg, Iowa (formerly Nebraska City) passed away unexpectedly from heart complications on Aug. 8.

Dillon was born on April 12, 1996, in Nebraska City, Neb.; the youngest son of Doug Wichman and Debbie (Hellerich) Gammell. From a young age, Dillon enjoyed both playing and rooting for sports. He was an especially talented baseball and basketball player, participating on teams that won several competitions, including the Nebraska City Recreational League (basketball) and Storm Invitational (baseball). He earned the moniker of Dilly with “the glove” on the Nebraska City Juniors where he played third base during a year the traveling team took 1st in the Nebraska State Championship. He also was district champion in the Knights of Columbus free throw contest, not once, but twice.

Dillon enjoyed playing flag football, as well as golfing and fishing. To his family’s dismay, Dillon was a huge Texas Longhorns fan. Equally to his family’s dismay, Dillon was a stellar poker player, beating his older brothers and their friends as young as ten years old. He also played the trumpet in the Nebraska City High School marching band, where he graduated high school in 2014.

Anyone who knew Dillon knew he was stylish. From hats to clothes, and especially shoes, Dillon expressed himself through his appearance and took pride in changing up his hair (sometimes long, sometimes short – sometimes blonde, sometimes brown). Dillon also would express meaningful sayings via body art, such as the serenity prayer on his shoulders and a reminder to stay strong on his wrist. He appreciated modern music as well, especially Ariana Grande, Lil’ Wayne and Eminem.

Dillon had a laugh like no other that stood out in a crowd and a serious goofball streak, at least in part the product of being the second youngest of four brothers. Dillon was also incredibly conscientious and caring, making dinners and coffee for his mom and guests (his specialty was making breakfast for dinner), giving thoughtful gifts to his nephews and consistently checking in on the wellbeing of family members near and far. He also loved animals, including his cat, Saneko, and childhood dog, Buddy.

Dillon had a determined personality and brought this attitude to several occupations during his life, including as a materials handler and machine operator at International Paper in both Omaha and Illinois, a stocker and driver at Coca-Cola, a mover for Two Men and a Truck, a car washer at JetSplash Car Wash in Lincoln, as well as several other positions at Mariano’s grocery store in Illinois, and his first job at Runza in Nebraska City.

He is survived by his parents: Debbie Gammell of Hamburg, IA, and Doug Wichman of Nebraska City, NE; brothers: Derek Wichman and wife Ellen of Hawthorn Woods, IL (and nephews: Blake, Garrett, and Ryder Wichman); Darin Wichman of Nebraska City, and Devin Whiteside of Hamburg, IA; aunts and uncles: Deb (Larry) Lance of Nebr. City, Richard “Dick” Wichman of Nebr. City, Richard (Jeryl) Hellerich of Schuyler, NE, Diane Hellerich of Auburn, NE, Laurie (Pat) Greenlee of Hamburg, IA, Linda Hellerich of Blaine, WA, Carla Richardson (sig. other Jared), and Carol (Brad) Ruwe of Hooper, NE; great-aunt and uncle Keith and Kate Parks, many cousins, other family and friends.

Dillon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Fritz and Joan Wichman; maternal grandfather Lawrence Hellerich; maternal grandmother Jean Lovelace; aunt Denise Jacobs; cousin Jace Wilke; and great-aunt Janice Hellerich.

Dillon lived with mental illness and was outwardly grateful to the doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Behavioral Health Clinic and Children’s Nebraska hospital in Omaha who helped him rebound to live a full and happy life after a couple month stay nearly a decade ago. For anyone wanting to make a donation in his honor, please consider contributing a gift to Children’s Nebraska.

A reception will follow the graveside service at 1 o'clock at Pin High Clubhouse and Grill at Table Creek Golf Course. The family would like to invite all of Dillon's many friends to attend and share in food and fellowship. 

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