Glen Dinkla, 89, of Massena

Funeral Services: Will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, south of Wiota with burial following in the Massena Center Cemetery. Pastor Mike Bodkins will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. 

Open Visitation: Will be held at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Memorials: To the Glen Dinkla Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date. 

Glen Albert Dinkla was born April 29, 1935 to Remmer and Bertha (Duden)Dinkla. He passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at his home.

Glen & Dorsey were united in marriage on December 15, 1963. Together, they raised four children: Byron, Gary, Kristi & Steve.

Glen has always known life on the farm. After losing his father at 15, Glen was an important aide to his mother, helping oversee the farm and caring for his siblings. Upon completion of his high school education, Glen started to farm full-time. There is much to be learned by the man who continued to choose resilience, building his dream and sharing it with his family. He did so with a humble perspective and a kind heart.

His kindness showed up in subtle ways. A warm hug, his infectious laugh and his signature “wave” were just a few examples. He loved traditions and sought to keep them. The grandkids loved his classic “German Song”, which later was shared with great grandkids too. When Glen had his mind made up about something being “just so” he made it happen. He’d walk all over the store to find the gift or flowers he wanted to give, even if it was difficult for him to do so.

Glen was a farmer and a caretaker by nature. He cared for the land, for his livestock and during Dorsey’s illness, he devoted his time here on Earth to care for her. He loved spending time with family. This often transpired as a crowded kitchen table filled with conversations and laughter and overflowing with Dorsey’s excellent cooking, topped off with a home-raised ribeye. The comfort of fellowship and a shared meal brought him joy.

Glen and Dorsey loved to travel to Polka dances, host friends, and follow the grandkids’ activities and events. He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, serving the church in many roles over the years, most recently as a farm trustee. Glen was a recipient of the Outstanding Young Farmer award. He was a founding member of the Cass County Cattlemen and was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2012, he was presented the Cass County Owner/Operator Award by Cass County SWCD. He was a long-time member of the Cass County Fair Board and a director of the Massena Co-op. He loved talking about the grain markets, reminiscing on memories and sharing the farm with anyone who would visit. Some of his fondest memories were: cattle drives from Bridgewater, his children bringing him lunches to the field, harvest visits by his grandkids and great-grandkids; and the peace he found watching his cattle from the deck in the evening.

The farm was where he grew up, where he and Dorsey raised their family - sharing their lives with friends and family of generations - and where he chose to spend his last days surrounded by his family. His watchful eye and loving embrace will forever oversee the Dinkla heritage. He will be greatly missed by many.

Glen is preceded in death by his wife, Dorsey; his parents, Remmer and Bertha Dinkla; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Herman and Marjorie Anderson, Brothers and Sisters-In-Laws, Elmer and Arlene Dinkla, Wayne and Elsie Paulsen, Florence Dinkla, Clarence Dinkla, Earl Dinkla and Violet Dinkla, and nephews CR Feller and Darnell Boseck.

Glen is survived by sons: Byron (Miranda), Gary (Beth) and Steve (Angie); daughter Kristi (Robert) Kratch; grandchildren: Lea Dinkla, Kyle (Danielle) Dinkla, Paige Beem, Logan Dinkla, Lindsey (Remington) Vacek, Colby (Taylor) Kratch, Nate (Nikki) Kratch, Mackenzie Kratch, Lauren Dinkla, and Cameron Dinkla; great-grandchildren: Destiny Dinkla, Kevin Dinkla, Jacoby Dinkla, Jayce Dinkla, Bradley Dinkla, Lettie Beem, Fletcher Vacek, Coco Kratch and Dash Kratch; brother-in-law Darrell (Judy) Anderson and many nieces and nephews.