Arthur E. Dini

Arthur E. "Art" Dini, 94, of Pekin, IL passed away at 11:24 AM Friday, August 26, 2016 at Hallmark House Nursing Center. Art was born on July 18, 1922 in Pekin to Amerigo L. and Louise M. (Dittmer) Dini. He married Lois Johnson on June 23, 1957 in Pekin. She survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Cheryl Nieslawski of River Forest, IL and a son, Thomas Dini of Broomfield, CO; two granddaughters, Grace and Audrey Nieslawski of River Forest. His parents and one brother, Robert Dini, preceded him in death. A World War II veteran he served as an officer in the Army Signal Corps as a 1st Lieutenant. He was a 1940 graduate of Pekin Community High School. In 1947 he received a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Later he received a master's degree in engineering from Bradley University. As an Associate Professor at Bradley University, he taught in the department of Civil Engineering and Construction from 1948 until his retirement in 1989. Post-retirement, he went on to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award for his outstanding years of service as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Emeritus in 1994 and The Proud Eagle Award for his inspiration and dedication in 1996, both from the department of Civil Engineering. Art was a life member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. He was a past president of the Peoria Chapter. He was also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #1271 and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon social fraternity. He was a pioneer in the field of television tower design, designing such structures for many years for Rohn Manufacturing Company as a part-time employee. Art and his friends had a group called TASC - Tuesday Afternoon Social Club. He spent many hours playing games at each other's homes and fishing once a year in Minnesota. He belonged to the Mr & Mrs. Dancing Club. He enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears Fan. A member of St. Paul United Church of Christ where he served on many committees and the church council. He was the auctioneer to raise money for church projects with the Senior Group for many years. Fun was had by all. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at St. Paul United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Brian Byrne officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church. Burial with military honors provide by the United States Army will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 N. 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Service Tuesday, August 30, 2016 11:00 AM St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Tuesday, August 30, 2016 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554