Donald Eugene Dendinger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

NORFOLK -- Memorial service for Donald E. Dendinger, 85, of Norfolk will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk with Rev. Chip Winter officiating. Inurnment will be at the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Norfolk. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday prior to the service also at the funeral chapel. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644, both of Norfolk, Nebraska American Legion Riders, and the United States Army Honors Guard. Don passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Eugene Dendinger was born in Hartington on Jan. 18, 1932, to Edwin Eugene and Florence Mildred (Harris) Dendinger of Hartington. Don attended Hartington Public Schools from grades kindergarten through high school. He enjoyed playing football through high school as a lineman. He also participated in track and field, where he excelled in running the mile. Don also liked the high jump and pole vaulting. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on June 12, 1952, during the Korean War. He was a foot soldier and a squad leader in a weapons platoon. He was also a cross-country ski instructor as part of his training for winter warfare. Don liked to tell stories to family and friends of the time he spent in Japan in the Yatsugatake Mountains, where temperatures were extremely cold. Don was honorably discharged on June 3, 1954, after serving his country. On Sept. 29, 1955, Don was united in marriage to his sweetheart, JoAnne Peitz. They were married at the Catholic church in Hartington. Don and JoAnne were blessed during their 58 years of marriage to have six children: three boys and three girls. Don and his family lived in Hartington until 1968, helping Ferdie Peitz with the farm while managing the Skylon Ballroom with his spouse, JoAnne. Don moved his family to California in 1969, where he worked for Pierson Lumber Co. for two years in sales until he was hired at White Trucking Company in shipping and receiving for 10 years. He enjoyed living in California, but JoAnne’s father was getting older and needed help. Don, JoAnne and his family moved back to Hartington in 1980, where he again managed the Skylon Ballroom with JoAnne and worked on the farm until 1990. In 1991, Don and JoAnne decided to move to Norfolk. They bought a house and Don worked at Hy-Vee, doing various jobs until he retired in 2007. After retirement, for something to do in his spare time, Don drove the Handi-Bus for the Norfolk Senior Center. In 2013, Don and JoAnne sold their home and moved to the Norfolk Veterans Home. Don was happily married to JoAnne for 58 years until she lost her battle with cancer on Sept. 29, 2013. Don continued to live at the Norfolk Veterans Home until his passing on Sept. 27, 2017. Don enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, playing pool and cards especially poker with his buddies at the Vets Home, talking and visiting with people and spending time with his family. A beloved spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Don is survived by his sons, Lawrence (Melinda) Dendinger of Olathe, Kan., and Steven Dendinger of Pioneer, Calif.; his daughters, Jeanne (Arlie) Puckett of Norfolk, Susan (Keith) Miller of Norfolk, Cheryl (Tim) Widhalm of Norfolk; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Jean Steinwart of Ogallala, Wilma Jean (John) Hansen of Lincoln, Calif.; a brother, Lowell (Jan) Dendinger of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred; spouse JoAnne; sisters Delores, Margaret and Shirley; brother Bob; nephew David Hansen. The Rev. Chip Winter will sing and play guitar on “On Eagles Wings.” The recorded song will be “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone” Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

Donald Eugene Dendinger

January 18, 1932 - September 27, 2017

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Donald Eugene Dendinger

January 18, 1932 - September 27, 2017

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