Elmer George Dickson, formerly of Yorkville, passed away September 16, 2018 in Chico, CA. He was born in Aurora on May 28, 1931 to Homer G. and Alice (Harkness) Dickson. Raised on the family farm in Bristol Township, he lived a bucolic life, attending a one room country school house through the sixth grade and spending his spare time helping on the farm. In 1943, he moved with his family to Yorkville, where his parents owned several businesses including the local Case Farm Equipment dealership. He attended local schools and helped with the family business. He graduated from Yorkville High School in 1949 and pursued farming on his own until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1950. He spent four years in the Air Force touring the U.S. and Japan teaching aircraft engine mechanics. After his discharge, Elmer returned to Kendall County. He met and married his wife, Sydney, in 1955. Together they raised two children while working their own farm. In 1961, Elmer and Sydney sold their farm and moved into town. For the next few years, Elmer worked at Yorkville National Bank as an Agricultural Loan Agent, a job which utilized his business skills and his agricultural experience. He was involved in several community organizations. He was a member and deacon of Yorkville Congregational Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. In 1964, Elmer decided to pursue a college degree and enrolled at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, as a full-time undergraduate. He completed his B.S, M.S, and PhD in Finance and in 1970, accepted a teaching position at California State University, Chico. He taught Business Administration from 1970-1990 and was Chairperson of the Department of Finance and Marketing for 10 years. His retirement years were spent pursuing interests in genealogy and community service. He devoted years researching the history and genealogy of families from Kendall County. He published history and genealogy books and created a website for the Illinois GenWeb Project. His efforts were recognized by the Kendall County Historical Society, of which he was a member. In California, he served 33 years on the Board of Directors of The Work Training Center, a non-profit that serves and supports the disabled. Elmer is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margery. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sydney Dickson of Chico CA, daughter Kim Dickson Polizo (Fred) of Chico CA, son Clay Dickson of Chico CA, sister Jean Matzke of Potomac MD, and brother Fred Dickson (Connie) of Oswego IL. Services will be held at Chapel on the Green, 105 W. Center St., Yorkville, IL 60560 on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm. A private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bristol. Memorials in Elmer's name may be directed to Green Historical Society (Chapel on the Green) P.O. Box 107 Yorkville, IL 60560. For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com