Peter James “Jim” Dinges

Peter James “Jim” Dinges, 93, Hays, and longtime Schoenchen resident, died Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Via Christi Village.

He was born July 1, 1928 in Schoenchen, the son of Peter and Katherine (Engel) Dinges.  On August 9, 1948 he was united in marriage to LaVera Munsch at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated nearly 18 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on August 3, 1966.  On May 26, 1972 he was united in marriage to Erma (Leiker) Gross at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays, and they celebrated 49 years of marriage.  For many years he owned and operated Jim’s Service Station in Schoenchen.  He also worked as a golf course superintendent, state park superintendent, and maintained the St. Anthony Cemetery.  Jim was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, and the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, Schoenchen.  He loved to fish, pheasant hunt, collect coins, and tinker in his garage.  Jim enjoyed visiting with everyone.

Survivors include his wife Erma of Hays, one son: Mark Dinges and wife Tina of Kansas City, five daughters: Helen Werth and husband Vince of Munjor, Belinda Braun and husband Andy of Victoria, Judy Mulford and husband Matt of Lawrence, Sherry Stettinger and husband John of Great Bend, and Stephanie Heil-Grover and husband Mark of Portland, CT, one stepdaughter: Sharon Gross of Overland Park, one sister: Mary Binder and husband Bob of Hays, 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: LaVera, a son: Harry Dinges, a stepson: Brian Gross, a grandson: Dan Braun, six brothers: Vic, Henry, Al, Julius, Gilbert, and Melvin Dinges, and one sister: Hilda Staab.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Fr. Earl Befort Officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church.  A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm, a vigil service at 6:30 pm, and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm, all on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund.  Condolences and memories of Jim may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com