Raymond W. Dinkel

Raymond W. Dinkel, age 89 of Midland died, Sunday, April 14, 2013 at K & K Adult Foster Care.

Raymond was born, the sixth child of William John and Adelhuld (Werschky) Dinkel January 2, 1924 on a small farm North of Kilmanagh, Michigan, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Bay Port High School in June 1942. Raymond was drafted into the army in July of 1942 and served with the 3rd Army, 512th Field Artillery Battalion during WWII under General George Patton. He was awarded the Bronze Star for action during the Battle of the Bulge Dec 23rd 1944.
He attended Coyle Electrical School in Chicago, becoming a Journeyman electrician. On July 27, 1947 he married the former Dolores Schulze in St. John's Lutheran Church in Berne, MI. They moved to Midland that same year and Raymond started working for Dow Corning as an electrician. He worked there until 1962 when he began working for I.B.E.W. until retiring in 1987. Raymond was a well known and avid ball player, starting in high school. He later played softball for several sponsors and at one time had played for seven teams. He played in several world championships, winning four titles. He enjoyed playing ball even into his early 80's.

Raymond is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Dolores; sons, Kevin (Deborah) Dinkel of Midland and Gordon (Sue) Dinkel of Braselton, Georgia; daughter, Angela (Lynn) Erickson of Prescott; grandchildren, Ryan and Tara Erickson, Aricka and Lindsay Dinkel, Kayla and Erik Dinkel and six great grandchildren, brothers, Loren Dinkel of Canton, Stuart R. Dinkel of Port Huron, Kenneth Dinkel of Manistee; sister, Doris Pope of Traverse City; and sister in law, Sue Dinkel of Caro, MI.

Funeral and committal services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday, April 18, 2013 from Beaver Zion Lutheran Church with the Reverend Michael Buchorn officiating. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to Beaver Zion Lutheran Church or the Organization of choice. Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com