William "Bill" Dinkel

After living a life focused on faith, family, and friendship, Bill Dinkel died on December 2, 2022, at age 94. Bill was born May 25, 1928, to Alex and Anna Dinkel in Grainfield, Kansas. The eldest son of the family, his siblings always looked up to him for his wisdom and guidance. Bill was proud to be from Western Kansas and loved his trips back out west. Bill graduated from eighth grade at Grainfield Elementary School. The responsibility of being the eldest in a growing family called, and he responded by making a contribution economically. At 13 years of age, he worked in the grain mills as a laborer. He later went back to get his high school diploma, graduating from the University of Kansas with his GED. Education was important to him, and he always celebrated the achievements and activities of his grandchildren at the “brain factory.” Bill worked in the construction industry beginning at the age of 16 after the family relocated to Topeka in 1944. He spent 35 years working for Douglas Construction and M.W. Watson Construction in the roles of cement finisher, foreman, and superintendent; and then he owned and operated Dinkel Construction with his son, Billy, beginning in February 1986. He loved being on the job site and prided himself on quality work. He loved talking about and driving through old jobs to explain the care put into the work. Bill was a fixture in the community. Throughout his life, he gave his time and talents to a number of organizations. He was a 12-year member of the Shawnee Heights School Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #534 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. He was a founding member and longtime parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church and School, which he helped build. Bill is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Mary (Karnowski). They were married May 29, 1950, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas. Whether it was traveling the country, watching their grandkids or great-grandkids at an event, or sitting and watching television in their front room, they have been loyal partners in marriage and a model for how love can endure. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Anna, and four siblings, Helen, Roseley, Laverne (Dolores) and Wilfred. He is survived by two brothers, Cleatus (Sherrie) of Topeka and Elmer (Marilyn) of Overland Park; and two sisters, Leona Frye of Topeka and Ella Roberts of Pratt; 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. Above all else, Bill loved the people in his life. The Dinkel family thanks all those who’ve cared for Bill, especially in his later years. Just as he left an impression on you with his kind heart and love for singing old songs, we will not forget all you did to provide him with comfort and care. We are comforted at this time by all the special moments we’ve had with Bill: weddings, birthdays, holidays, dances, and everything in between. Anyone who crossed paths with Bill remembers the joy and humor he brought to any situation. He will be forever missed and always remembered. We hope he was greeted with a red beer by family and friends as he arrived in Heaven. Bill’s family will greet friends from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, where the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree will present the Chalice Ceremony and lead the rosary beginning at 10:15, followed by Family Reflections. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., all at the 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 care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

William "Bill" Dinkel

May 25, 1928 - December 2, 2022