Milan Howard Dilworth

Milan Howard Dilworth passed away at Legacy House of Bountiful in Bountiful, Utah, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, three months after his 73rd birthday.

He was born in Hailey, Idaho, on November 15, 1952, to Marold Joseph Dilworth and Viola Newman Dilworth—the eighth of ten children. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Joseph Newman Dilworth, Thomas Edward "Eddie," and John Loren.

He is survived by his four children: Virginia Stemmons (James) of Topeka, Kansas; Vincent Edward Dilworth (Amy) of Eagle Mountain, Utah; Abram John Dilworth (Sherry) of Peoria, Arizona; and Russell Clark Dilworth (Jenna) of Bountiful, Utah; 11 grandchildren; his former wife, Karen Kay Dilworth (Estep); and six siblings: LeGrand Marold Dilworth, Maria Viola Higley, Orin Marion Dilworth, Reed Wallace Dilworth, Anette Christansen, and Lorna Walker.

Milan was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a valiant servant to the Lord throughout his life. He served a two-year mission in the Australia East Mission from 1972 to 1974. He was a High Priest and served as a membership clerk, ward mission leader, and Scout leader for many years, helping multiple young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Upon returning from his mission, he briefly attended Brigham Young University before moving back to Boise to work with his late brother Joseph framing houses. He later attended the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, where he received his Associate of Applied Science in Farm Diesel in 1978. During his time in school, he married Karen Kay Estep. After completing his education, they moved to Rupert, Idaho, where he worked as a diesel mechanic at Cameron’s and later Pioneer Equipment.

For 22 years, Milan worked on tractors both in the shop and in the fields, often traveling to repair broken-down equipment in the middle of a farmer’s land. He developed such skill as a mechanic that numerous farmers reported he could diagnose a problem simply by looking at a tractor, and he would not leave a job until it was complete.

Milan’s career was abruptly cut short in 2000 when he underwent brain surgery. Having been diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager, his seizures had been controlled for many years through medication but eventually worsened, leading to the procedure. When he awoke from surgery, his entire right side was paralyzed, bringing an end to the mechanical work he loved. Never one to let his physical condition define him, he redirected his efforts by attending LDS Business College in 2001 to study accounting.

Milan loved genealogy work and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Family History Library, Collections Preservation & Digitization Unit. During his years in Scouting, he received the Silver Tomahawk Award from the Snake River Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and completed Wood Badge training for leadership development. He was instrumental in leading Troop 80 to two first-place finishes in the Klondike Derby.

He is remembered as someone always willing to give service, no matter the size of the task, and rarely asking for anything in return. He often had a smile on his face, earning from his cousins the nickname “Smilin' Milan.” He loved spending time with his brothers and sisters, shown through countless visits to their homes and the annual Dilworth Family Reunion at Camp Manapu. He was a dependable, obedient, hard-working, and self-sacrificing brother, husband, and father—traits instilled in him by his parents.

While his community saw the goodness of the man he was, those closest to him also witnessed his lifelong struggles with epilepsy and the challenges that accompanied it. Though we may never fully understand the internal battles he faced, we trust that Heavenly Father does, and that through Jesus Christ all wounds of this mortal life will be healed.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 806 G Street, Rupert, Idaho, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. The graveside dedication will immediately follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or other donations, those who felt the influence of Milan’s life of service are invited to perform acts of kindness within their communities and for those in need, reflecting the example he set. His children extend heartfelt thanks to all who showed love and care to our father in the final years of his life. We love and appreciate you all.