When newlywed Steve Durbin, 69, tried to impress his new wife, Wilma, with his cooking skills last week he only succeeded in ruining their steaks and had to rush out to buy some more.
While he was at his local Kroger supermarket the Taylorville resident decided to buy 10 Quick Pick Illinois Lotto tickets. He checked them two days later and was shocked to discover he'd won the $20.25 million jackpot from the Wednesday, April 10, draw.
Durbin checked his tickets online. Wilma, who is an insurance agent, was at work at the time and he was so keen to share the good news he rushed to her office and said, "Well, I think I should tell you that our life is going to change drastically."
Wilma's first reaction was to ask him if her dog had died, so Durbin had to spend some time reassuring her their pet was alive and well before they headed off to the Kroger to confirm the win.
Durbin chose to take the cash option of $11.6 million. After state and federal taxes he will be left with $8.1 million.
The Durbins are now planning to take a trip to Mount Rushmore and want to visit Italy, but are unsure what they will do with the rest of the money.
"Spend some, share some and save some," Durbin mused and Wilma said the important things were family, friends, and faith—the rest will figure itself out.
