Mary Dinkel

Seizing all she could out of life, Mary Dinkel died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at age 97. Mary was born May 27, 1925, to Peter and Maybelle (Weis) Karnowski in Hartford, Kansas. Family always mattered most to Mary. She looked forward to reunions and opportunities to connect. After graduating from Paxico High School, Mary worked at the Boeing Aircraft Plant in Wichita, Kansas during World War II. A real-life Rosie the Riveter, she took pride in her contributions to the war effort, especially with four brothers serving in the Armed Forces. Following the war, she worked at Myers Yearbook in Topeka. Mary was a homemaker most of her life, and she always focused on truly making her house a home for those who were there. She especially loved decorating for the holidays. She made ceramics for many years to add to the holiday spirit. She even took the time to make sets for the homes of each of her six children. These are reminders of her love of family and celebration. She found joy in being involved in her community and giving back to the church. Mary was a longtime parishioner and founding member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Her involvement included Holy Family Guild, St. Michael Guild, Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503, and playing cards to connect with other members of the church. One of her favorite leisure activities was the bus trips she and her husband took with the Junquers. She loved the places they were able to go, the fellowship she found, and sharing highlights with family when they returned. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Bill, on December 2, 2022. They were married May 29, 1950, at Holy Name Catholic Church. Always by each other’s side, Mary cherished the memories they made with family and friends through the years, and she always ensured they had a full calendar of events to attend. We know their reunion in Heaven was sweet as they are together for all eternity. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Nora and Lucy, and five brothers, Charles, Dave, James, Phil, and Steve. Mary is survived by her sister Virginia Billings; her six children, Billy (Marcia) Dinkel of Berryton, Becky (Don) Norris of Goodyear, Arizona, Patty (Alan) Bullock of Berryton, Tom (Jeni) Dinkel of Villa Hills, Kentucky, Susie (Richard) Brown of Shawnee, and Cindy Billau of St. George; 13 grandchildren, Judd, Matt, Tanner, Angie, Chad, Andrea, Amanda, Kylie, Bret, Taylor, Collin, Alex and Colby; 21 great-grandchildren; and an extensive network of extended family and friends. The people in Mary’s life made her the happiest. She always got excited when her phone rang and it was a family member or friend on the line. The walls of her kitchen were always full of the greeting cards and pictures family and friends had sent for holidays. Mary’s family thanks all of those people who have cared for and checked in on her especially as she has navigated life in her later years. Mary never wanted time with family and friends to end, saying, “You’re leaving already?” as others came to say goodbye. We will sometimes have the same sentiments as Mary is gone from here. We’ll hold on to the memories as she has always been there for our milestones, celebrations, and happy moments. We find comfort knowing she’ll watch over us from above. Together again, Mary and Bill shared services Saturday, January 14, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lester and Barbara Wetter Memorial Scholarship Fund (for the Shawnee Heights Public Schools Foundation), to St. Matthew Church or to Gentiva Hospice, all sent in car of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Dinkel

May 27, 1925 - January 12, 2023