Gilbert Francis Dinkel

Gilbert Francis Dinkel passed away Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 87. He was born December 23, 1926 in Victoria, Kansas to Bonavent and Margaret (Kuhn) Dinkel. On April 13, 1953 he was united in marriage to Cleota Mae Boucher. To this union were born eight children. Gilbert served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked as a pumper in the oilfield and as a custodian for the Sacred Heart School. Of course he knew that if he could just win the Lottery, life would be a lot less work and a lot more fun. A toymaker at heart, he enjoyed woodworking, and loved making toys. They were reminders of joyful times and an opportunity to pass on love and fun to friends and family. Above all, family was the real joy of his life, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed golfing and taking the grandkids fishing. Gilbert is survived by his wife Cleota of the home; sons Allen Dinkel and wife Vickie of Plainville, Nick Dinkel and wife Linda of Cross Junction, VA, Mark Dinkel and wife Julie of Garden City, Dan Dinkel and wife Denise of Mesquite, TX; daughters Paula Hertel and husband Erv of Cimmaron, Lynette Dreher of Hays, Lori Whitmyer and husband Mike of Arvada, CO; brothers Bob Dinkel and wife Marjorie of Plainville, Leroy Dinkel of Victoria, Leland Dinkel of Victoria; grandchildren Tony Hertel and wife Erica, Ben Hertel and wife Gia, Matt Dinkel, James Dinkel and wife Erin, Kristen Opat, Jason Dinkel and wife Markie, Joshua Dinkel, Ashley Battaile and husband Brian, Jessica Dreher, Nathan Dreher and wife Lauren, Aaron Dreher and wife Sarah, Toni Welling, Shayne Whitmyer, Seth Dinkel, Sally Dinkel, Sarah Dinkel, Natalie Dinkel, Erin Dinkel; and eleven great-grandchildren. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents Bonavent and Margaret Dinkel, a daughter Mary Dinkel, brothers Donald and Hubert Dinkel, and sister-in-law Marlene Dinkel. Gilbert was a man of deep love, devotion, and faith for God, family, and friends. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts and lives of all who knew him. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Reception: Knights of Columbus Hall