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Dinges Obit Photo Cropped

Donald A. Dinges

May 4, 1937 -
June 24, 2024
Christ Doris Obit Photo Cropped

US Veteran

Donald A. Dinges, 87, passed away the morning of June 24, 2024 at Froedtert South in Kenosha, WI surrounded by his loved ones. Don was born May 4th, 1937 in Kenosha, WI to Alexander Dinges and Agnes Dinges-Manny.

Don attended Central High school, graduating in 1956. After high school he joined the United States Army where he was active from 1960-1962 with a deployment to Korea. While at his going away party for the Army, Don met the love of his life, Barbara Sternhagen. Don and Barb were married on May 18, 1963; they were married for 61 wonderful years. In his time with us on this beautiful Earth, he was a member of Somers Community United Church of Christ, the South East WI Antique Power and Collectibles Society for many years, an active member of the Somers Fire Department (June 19, 1956- December 31, 2001) and was the Fire Chief of Somers Fire Department from 1980-1984.

Don enjoyed restoring and collecting his John Deere Tractors when he wasn’t tending to his garden. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. Don loved taking his wife on dates every Friday night and taking afternoon drives after Sunday church. He loved to finish any night with a good show or movie and his Manhattan. Don loved to watch his family grow and would cherish every moment he had with them.

Don leaves behind his wife, Barbara Dinges (Sternhagen) of Somers, WI; his four daughters: Penny (Royce) Ingraham of Somers, WI, Gail Jensen of East Troy, WI, Connie DelToro of Racine, WI, Cara LaMacchia of Kenosha, WI; eleven grandchildren: Melinda (Brian) Wiegele of Grafton, WI, Erin (Ryan) Maier of Mukwonago, WI, Courtney (Gordon) Sennett of Tomahawk, WI, Kyle (Heather Rebman) Dreger of Kenosha, WI, Nicole (Douglas) Pierce of Kenosha, WI, Samantha DelToro of Somers, WI, Natalie Ingraham of Oak Creek, WI, Alexander DelToro of Racine, WI, Austin DelToro of Racine, WI; Rene DelToro Jr. of Racine, WI, MandyLyn Zember of Kenosha, WI, and ten great-grandchildren: Oliver Pierce, Thomas Pierce, Amelia Wiegele, Malachi DelToro, Julianna DelToro, Steven DelToro, Antonio DelToro, Caleb DelToro, Dayton DelToro, and Clayton DelToro; his sister Eileen Shepherd of Kenosha, WI; In laws: Dale Sternhagen, Janice (Robert) Zastrow, Robert Smith as well as many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents: Alexander Dinges, Agnes Dinges-Manny, and Hugh Manny; in laws: William and Martha Sternhagen and sister in laws: Sandra Smith, Judith Sternhagen.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Donald’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Somers Community United Church of Christ, 9918 12th Street, Kenosha, WI 53143.

Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, Kenosha, WI.

A visitation for Donald will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Somers Fire Department presentation beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.

On Friday, June 28, 2024 a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at Somers Community United Church of Christ.

  • Posted by:
    Jim & Bonnie Naumann

    We don’t think Donnie ever missed a Sternhagen family gathering—(that is where I (Jim) first met him. He loved his family and anyone connected to them. He was never at a loss for words and never short of interest in your life. He will be missed. “Blessed are dead who die in the Lord”

  • Posted by:
    Richard "BO" Bosanko

    To Don's wife, family, and the Somers Fire Department : On behalf of the Kenosha Fire Department FAMILY, both ACTIVE and RETIRED members, our sincere sympathy to all of you on the loss of your beloved Don. We share in your sorrow. We wish you many fond memories of him and the good times that you all shared together as a family. Don was a member of the Fire Service Family, we loved him like a brother, and he gave it right back! God Bless Our Fallen Brother, Chief Dinges. In sadness. Rich "Bo" Bosanko-Battalion Chief-Retired; Kenosha Fire Department

  • Posted by:
    Jon Lyons

    As Chaplain for the American Legion Post 21 and the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21 in Kenosha Wisconsin, I’d like to say thank you for your service and God bless you, your family, and your friends. You’re all in my prayers. Just remember he was a gift from God and knowing him was even a bigger gift.

  • Posted by:
    Chris Smith Sullivan

    Dinges Family So sorry for your loss. Many memories with all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Posted by:
    David Sternhagen

    I got to know Don really well when he and Barb let me stay with them one summer when I worked for Christ Iron Works. I remember how much he like to speed around with his Rambler Ambassador with the 390. I think that was one of the things he liked about working for the fire department, he had a good excuse for driving really fast. I remember him working on his old John Deere, and working hard for his family. I think he enjoyed life and I'm grateful that God gave him so much of it. My prayers to Barb and the kids. He rests with Jesus now. Love David

  • Posted by:
    The Stenseng Family

    Thank You Mr. Dinges for your beautiful girls, your grandchildren & great grandchildren. Your legacy will continue to bless us all for generations to come. The Stenseng family is holding your loved ones in prayer.