Dingeman, Marvin Gordon 1948-2006

DINGEMAN, BEAMAN, BLANKE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 12/1/2006 at 19:48:16

Marvin Gordon Dingeman was born on September 11, 1948, at the Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was the second of three children that were born to the late Marvin William and Betty (Beaman) Dingeman. Gordy or Soap, as he was known by his family and friends, received his education in the Pella Public Schools and graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1967.

One night he was "scooping the loop" and met the love of his life, Connie Joyce Blanke. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1971 at the home of her parents, Ronald and Wilma Blanke. They were blessed with three sons, Marvin Bob, born on January 6, 1977, Thomas Ronald, born on March 17, 1978 and Rick Douglas, born on February 3, 1980.

At the age of 13, Gord began working with his father and the Dingeman family at Pella Construction Company. He continued this work for Pella Construction Co. as a dredge operator, pumping sand and gravel for the next 28 years. In 1989 he then took a job with Martin Marietta Company and continued this until he was forced to take disability due to his health.

Gord was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of this year. His battle was hard fought but on Thursday afternoon, October 19, 2006, he succumbed to his disease and passed away at his residence. He attained the age of 58 years, 1 month and 8 days.

Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, Connie, their three children and their spouses and 4 grandchildren, who will never forget this special grandpa.

Of his original family Gord leaves his older sister, Ruth and her husband Gary Kendall of Pella, and his younger brother, G. Dan Dingeman of Pella. Gord also leaves his mother-in-law, Wilma Blanke of Pella and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Shirley and Bill Riherd of Pella, Dennis and Sharon Blanke of New Sharon, Betty and Fred Sels of Pella, Dianne and Harris Steenhoek of Leighton and Mary Dingeman Van Berkum of Pella.

Gord was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Dingeman, his father, Marvin Dingeman, and his father-in-law, Ronald Blanke.

Gord served his country from in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a baptized member of the First Baptist Church in Pella, where he remained a member the remainder of his lifetime.

Gord, a die-hard Yankees fan, loved the great outdoors. It was his passion and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his boys teaching them how to hunt and fish. His family also enjoyed camping and hunting for mushrooms with him. Many stories of times gone by hunting and fishing will be fondly remembered by his many friends and family. It is with sadness that we must say "until we meet again" to this friend and loved one.

For those desiring memorials may be designated for the M. Gordon Dingeman Memorial Fund.

The Pella Chronicle, November 4, 2006