Dingeman, D. Duane 1934-2009

DINGEMAN, HOAGLAND, VANDE KERK, GRITTERS

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/12/2010 at 17:12:50

Daniel Duane Dingeman was the eighth of nine children that were born to Daniel and Ruth Irene Hoagland Dingeman. His parents were living near Pella, Iowa at the time he was born on November 13, 1934.

Being from a large family of brothers and sisters each one acquired a nickname and his was "Ikey". Since his father's name was also Daniel, his Dad went by Dan and he went by Duane. Duane attended the Pella Public Schools except for one year in Ottumwa, Iowa, while his father was building an airport there. He graduated from Pella Public High School with the Class of 1952 after much encouragement and many excused work absences.

In July of 1954 Duane enlisted in the United States Army. During high school Duane had met Goldie Jean Gritters, a daughter of Rev. Martin and Jeanette Vande Kerk Gritters. Duane and Goldie were united in marriage on December 4, 1954, while he was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri. Soon after their marriage he was deployed to Germany and Goldie joined him there. In July of 1956 he was honorably discharged as a Cpl. and they returned to Pella, Iowa.

Duane and Goldie raised their family of three children: Diane Jean, Debra Jo and Daniel Wayne in Pella, of whom he was very proud. Upon his return from the service, Duane joined Pella Construction Company, the family business started by his dad, until he began his own business, Pella Excavating, in 1975. He operated this business until 2003. He also worked in land development with his brothers.

When he retired in 2003, he began farming and continued in the land development business until the present time. Duane enjoyed operating his dozer and restoring old tractors, and his special interests were hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and traveling with his wife. Most recently he enjoyed spoiling dogs, baking bread and cracking nuts.

On Saturday evening, January 17, 2009, after a well-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 74 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Those who will cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Goldie, and their three children and their families. They are: Diane and her husband, Danny Massick of Knoxville, Iowa; Deb and her husband, Byron Bruxvoort of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Dan W. Dingeman of Pella, Iowa.

Of his original family Duane leaves his four sisters: M. Jean Thomas of Winterset, Iowa, Betty L. and her husband, Tom Carlson of Evanston, Illinois, Uella M. and her husband, R. Bill Peters of Pella and Priscilla I. Steenhoek of Otley, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Judi (Paul E.) Dingeman of Pella; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Alberdeen (Gritters) Stursma, Frank and Revena Gritters, Edgar and Regina Gritters, Arnie and Nancy Gritters all of Pella.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Ruth Dingeman; his parents-in-law, Martin and Jeanette Gritters; his four brothers and their wives: Marvin W. and Betty (Beaman) Dingeman, Hershel W. and A. Gene (Leon) Dingeman, James H. and Nancy (Van Maanen) Dingeman, Paul E. Dingeman; his brothers-in-law, Donald Thomas and Duane Steenhoek; and a brother-in-law, Donald Stursma; and four nephews: Kurtis Peters, Robert Danny Peters, David Dingeman and Gordon Dingeman.

Duane was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella and the Van Veen- Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 of Pella. He and Goldie enjoyed traveling and were a part of several coffee groups. Duane was a mentor to his family and substance abusers. He was very supportive of his family who will always remember his generous spirit.

Interment: t’Lam Cemetery near Pella

Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home