Dennis L. Dinslage, 71, of West Point, died Saturday, February 17, 2024 at his home. The celebration of his life, visitation will be Friday, Feb. 23 from 5 – 7 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. The following day, Saturday, Feb. 24, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., also at St. Mary’s, with Rev. Frank Baumert as celebrant. Lunch will be at the Nielsen Center following the Mass.
Dennis (Dean to those who knew him best) was born November 21, 1952, at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in West Point, to Wendelin and Bernardine (Uhing) Dinslage. He grew up on a farm outside of Howells, graduating from Howells High School in 1970 and then earning his associate degree from Lincoln School of Commerce in 1972. That was a big year, as on April 8, 1972, Dennis married Agnes Renner, the love of his life, high school sweetheart and friend since first grade.
A meticulous man (in both his work and personal life), Dennis excelled in his finance career. After working as the Comptroller at Miller & Paine in Lincoln, he moved to West Point to be the Chief Financial Officer at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 1978. He and Agnes then established their home, became entrenched in the community and after 40 years, he retired from the same place he was born.
A talented home project handyman (a gift he passed on to his daughters), Dennis was the king of measure twice (or thrice) and cut once. He had nearly any tool one might need for a DIY project and each was lovingly cared for and maintained. Dennis also had a love for football (which he passed on to his son) and was the commissioner of his fantasy football league for 36 years, visiting many NFL stadiums along the way.
Family – immediate and extended – played a big role in his life. One of his favorite retirement pastimes was chauffeuring around Agnes and his sisters-in-law near and far. A beloved Papa to his four grandchildren, Dennis spent many hours being used as a jungle gym and received great joy from watching the grandkids in their various activities – dance, volleyball, baseball, cross-country and more.
As the Dinslage family “love language” is home improvement projects, he liked spending time with his family serving as foreman, especially supervising his children rebuilding the deck at the lake and reminding them of the importance of predrilling. Dennis loved Agnes’ cooking (particularly the desserts), a good gin and tonic (though usually just one) and whiling away an afternoon in a casino (in fact – he, Agnes and their children had a joyful trip to Las Vegas this past May).
Survivors include his wife Agnes,
Daughter – Anne Ahmann of Des Moines, IA – Isabel and Gracie
Daughter – Jody (Darin) Ingemansen of Minneapolis, MN
Son – John (Melissa) Dinslage of Chicago, IL – Leo and Renner
Siblings – Jan (Russ) Priess, Leroy (Deb) Dinslage, Bob Heinen, Sharon Wieneke, Rainey (Dave) Prusa
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Heinen; and nephew, Ron Wieneke.
Memorials may be made to Franciscan Home Health and Hospice, GACC Endowment, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.