Mitchell Jay "Oldman" Dillavou, 69, of Ames, IA passed on July 23 rd, 2026.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mitch Dillavou will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue, in Ames. Interment will follow at the church columbarium.
Visitation for Mitch Dillavou will take place from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, in Ames.
Mitch was born on October 27, 1956, the son of Darrel (Dooley) and Donna (Ackman) in Waverly, Iowa.
He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly. Mitch attended school in
Waverly and graduated in 1975. He played football and was also on the wrestling teams for the Waverly
Shell Rock Go-Hawks. After high school Mitch was in the United States Marine Corp Reserve and the
United States Army Reserves in Waterloo, Iowa for five years achieving the rank of Sergeant. He also
worked construction for the R.P. Oberheau Construction Company. In 1983, Mitch enrolled at Iowa
State University in the college of Engineering. On June 2, 1984, he was united in marriage to Kim
Kvidera at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly. In May of 1987, he graduated from Iowa State
University with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Mitch began working for the Iowa
Department of Transportation (DOT) in Ames as an engineer where he held many positions. After 36
years with the Iowa DOT, Mitch retired on August 31, 2023 where he held the position of Chief Engineer.
Mitch was a member of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames, Knights of Columbus Council No. 2230,
American Legion Post 37, Ames Elks Lodge #1626, and Ames Moose Lodge #520. Mitch enjoyed
coaching little league, attending his kids' school events, Boy Scout Leader in Troop 96, and following the
Iowa State Cyclones and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed volunteering his time and talents with
Saint Cecilia Catholic church and the other civic organizations. However, those most important in his life
were his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors are his wife Kim Dillavou of Ames, Iowa; daughter Amanda (Erik) Hudson of Spanish Fort,
Alabama, and son Scott (Kristin) Dillavou of Ames, Iowa; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn and Lily Hudson, and
Charlie and William Dillavou; brothers Mike of Denver IA, Tom of Sedalia CO, Tim of Elizabeth CO, Randy
of Shell Rock, IA, Jay of West Des Moines, IA, Andy of Claton, NC, Joe of Falmouth, ME; and three sisters,
Diane Norton of Pelee, FL, Julie Dreesman of Kansas City, MO, and Melanie Kallenberger of Waverly, IA.
Memorials may be directed to the Saint Cecilia Catholic School.
Mitch was one of the more respectful and respected men I ever met. Supportive, thoughtful and also looked out the betterment of family, friend and organizations.
Family reunion 2025
RIP "Old man". Great friend from Class of 75 at WSR. You'll be missed.
Kim, Amanda, Scott, and family,
We send our love and wish you comfort. Weren’t we all so lucky to have known steadfast Mich. He adored his family and it was evident always to all of us onlooking friends. Be like Mitch. Smart, courageous, ambitious and loving. We believe that’s what he wants for his loved ones. Continued prayers for peace.
My heartfelt sympathies to Mitch's wife, Kim, children, and grandkids.
What a great photo of Mitch; the way i remember him with that huge, heartfelt SMILE for all of us DOTers.
We'd visit off and on over the years since 1 of his offices was next door to mine in the railroad division.
I was totally shocked to receive this notice as I hadn't heard he was in bad health, etc.
May God give each of you comfort now and in the days, months, and years to come.
Continue talking to him daily as you all have done daily. He hears you; listen with your hearts ... he's talking to each of you.
If you are lucky enough to have him on video tape, cassettes, or iphone, make copies of these putting original ones away so they don't get worn out.
When you are missing Mitch the most, play them hearing his voice, laughter and watching his mannerisms/gestures ... he's with you ALWAYS.
Kim and Family,
My heatfelt sympathy to all of you. I am remembering Mitch and all of you in prayer. My lasting memory of Mitch will always be seeing him astride the John Deere tractor mower mowing the grounds at St. Cecilia. Did he have a bit of an Iowa farmer in him?! I enjoyed our coversations in the years I was pastor at St. Cecilia and in the occasional visits we would have since my retirement. May God give him eternal rest.
So sorry for your loss. Dale and Ann Walther
So sorry Kim, Amanda and Scott. I always enjoyed being around Mitch. Take Care.
Visitation
Ames, IA, United States 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010
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