Ronald Dinkel

Ronald Dinkel was born October 24, 1953 to parents Alvin Francis Dinkel and Edna Rubina Dinkel (Dreiling). He passed away September 24, 2026 in Fort Collins, CO. He was the fifth of ten children, growing up in Victoria, Kansas -- one of the Dinkel boys on Hickory Street. Ron attended Dodge City Community College on a baseball scholarship before completing his business degree from Fort Hays State University. Soon after college he married Mary Jo Mader from Hays, KS and the two were blessed with daughters Jennifer and Chelsea. Ron’s professional career included sales, marketing, estimating and construction services in Texas and Colorado.

In Ron’s later years he became acutely aware of the number of physical and mental challenges he faced, and the impacts they had on his life – particularly on relationships with those closest to him. Ron captured these thoughts in his final years:

“I was a different person to many different people. Some have judged me in a different light. It took me a long time to learn my disabilities and how to deal with them. Although I had an above average intelligence, I also had the inability to judge personal and social cues. Many times, I interrupted people and made inappropriate comments. This was never done intentionally. There was never any intent to hurt one's feelings. It was part of my makeup I had to learn to correct. Unfortunately, it happened later in life. To those offended I apologize. Yet it happened. That is my life. My travel through life has been a difficult one and not all understand it. To those who tolerate me, I do greatly appreciate it. To those who did not, I ask your understanding to those around you who may need some understanding.”

Ron is survived by his two daughters Jennifer and Chelsea, and siblings Darrell, D Bates, Ruben, Jeffry, and Patrick. Ron was preceded in death by his wife Jo, his parents Alvin and Ruby, and four brothers Donald, Allen, Terrance, and Richard.