Rudolph “Rudy” Dinkel, age 86, of Quinter (formerly of Grainfield), passed away, Monday, June 15, 2015 at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter. He was born May 11, 1929 in rural Grainfield, to Joseph and Amalia (Rohr) Dinkel.
Rudy attended Grainfield schools. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Raymond. On October 11, 1955, Rudy was united in marriage to JoAnn Kraft. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage, until her passing on January 15, 2014. He and JoAnn owned and operated Dinkel IGA, in Grainfield for many years. Rudy loved watching sports, and was an avid KU fan. He loved to travel with his family, and followed his grandchildren’s activities. Rudy was known for making outdoor Christmas decorations. Rudy and JoAnn always put out a very nice garden. He was very involved in the community, having served with many groups and organizations. Some of those include, American Legion, Boy Scouts Volunteer, Rural Fire Department, Kansas Hunter Safety Instructor, and the Wheatland Booster Club. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Rudy was also the sexton for the Grainfield Cemetery for thirteen years.
Survivors include five children, Kay and husband Albert Goetz of Park, Ron and wife Vickie of Emporia, Allan and wife Wanda of Quinter, Kathy and husband Mike Mathes of Topeka, and Tom and wife Nancy of Garden City; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joe of Hill City, and Don of Brighton, Colorado; and four sisters, Wilma Schumacher of Hutchinson, Mildred Baker of Topeka, Betty Gagnon of Denver, Colorado, and Joan Zerr of Ft. Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his daughter, Sheryl Powers; and three brothers, Ben, Adolph, and Alvin.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Grainfield. Burial will be in the Grainfield Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., with a parish vigil service immediately following. Both will be at the funeral home in Quinter.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Medical Center – Long Term Care. Checks made to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.