DINNES, John C. 1924-2016

DINNES, TILTON, FISTLER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/8/2020 at 10:37:44

John C. Dinnes, 91, of Eldora, passed away on February 25, 2016, at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, with his daughter, Norma, by his side. John was born on March 26, 1924, in the Eldora Hospital to Orla and Retta (Tilton) Dinnes. John always spoke fondly of growing up on the Dinnes family century farm in SW Grundy County.

John graduated from Whitten High School in 1943. After high school, John served his country honorably in the United States Navy which involved three years on a mine sweeper in the Pacific Ocean during World War II until his honorable discharge in May of 1946. On May 5, 1946, John was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Fistler at the Union Community Church and they began their busy life on the family farm. Together they had four daughters over seven years that joined the fun and responsibilities on the farm. John and Mary enjoyed plays at the Old Creamery, as well as weekend travel with other couples from John’s high school and many more activities. Neither of them knew a stranger. Mary passed away on November 11, 2010, after 64 1/2 years of sharing each other.

John’s brother, Fred Dinnes, helped on the family farm. Fred also started a trucking business that John took over after Fred enlisted in the Army. After Fred’s discharge, Dinnes Bros. Trucking resumed. They also did numerous other jobs together. John and Fred remained the best of friends for their entire life together. John semi-retired from farming in 1989.

Much of the family activities were centered on horses. First through showing cutting horses, several raised on the farm. They transitioned to team roping when John was 68 years old. John and Fred also farmed a few acres with the horses and invited elementary school classes to watch corn planting. They had teams on various horse powered equipment at annual antique power shows, participated in horse plowing, and were even involved in the parades, weddings, and festivals at Caukins Reserve, Iowa Falls.

John remained on the farm with his daughter, Norma, until his passing. John’s mind was sharp and he always had a plan for tomorrow and the next year. He had continued some farming and draft horse activities until 2011. John’s activities also included Iowa State Men’s Basketball, gardening, reading, farm and horse sales, following the political candidates, as well as many other numerous things.

John is survived by his four daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother-in-law Joe Rash of Union, and many cousins and other family members.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, parents, brother Fred, and many other family members.

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