Ralph Dinger

Ralph E. Dinger, 93, passed peacefully into the arms of His Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at his residence in Highland Hills Senior Living Center. His life began at the end of the first world war and ended in an age of cyberspace and a shrinking global community, but the thread which wove its way through his life was the love and total grace of His Lord Jesus Christ. Ralph liked to consider himself a "hillbilly," but that was not because of his lifestyle or education. Born in the hill country of the Ozark region of Missouri in the small town of Ironton, he was blessed with an excellent education and was an eager pursuer of knowledge his entire life. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in education from Concordia Teachers College of Seward Nebraska in 1946, Ralph served several Lutheran Day schools as teacher and principal, from Eureka, CA to Hampton, NE and St. Louis, MO. One of the great blessings of his life was his 40 year marriage to Lucille Kreimeyer, who partnered with him in family, faith, and as professional educators in those early years. They were blessed with three sons, Timothy (1948), Stephen (1950), and Jonathan (1960). Both Ralph and Lucille were proud that their sons shared their faith and entered into professions which have served the Church as pastors, teachers, and founders and administrators of Lutheran Day schools. Lucille sadly preceded Ralph into eternal life in 1987, and she remained his beloved bride in heart and mind in the ensuing years. We rejoice in their glad reunion in the presence of their Savior. A member of the "greatest generation," Ralph served his country in World War II in Patton's Third Army as paymaster. He continued his faithful service throughout his life in many, many acts of volunteer service, whether it was as an elder or chairman of his congregation, reading to preschoolers, leading capital building campaigns, teaching Bible classes, or directing a choir which would sing in nursing homes. After receiving a Master's Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Ralph moved out of the classroom and into Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO, writing Vacation Bible School materials for nearly a decade until 1966. He and Lucille were actively involved in the Civil Rights movement through the Lutheran Church during this turbulent era. It was during this decade that Ralph began his lengthy association with Boy Scouting, becoming deeply involved with the Scouts at a national level, leading training conferences at Philmont Scout Ranch and ultimately receiving the Lamb Award. In 1967, the Lutheran Council in the USA was formed by several major Lutheran denominations, to which Ralph was invited to serve as the Director of National Youth Agency Relationships in New York City - writing religious award program materials for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire, and other youth agencies until his retirement in 1983. Ralph and Lucille spent several delightful years as retirees in Sun City, Arizona and found great joy at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church and its pastor Rev. Loel Haak. There they developed many close friendships and were involved in numerous service ministries. Some years after Lucille's passing, Ralph moved to Portland, OR, and then subsequently to Pocatello, ID, serving parishes in these communities faithfully and well. He never failed to speak at any Bible class he attended, especially if his son was the teacher! His was a life marked by service to his church and His Savior, with faithfulness, insight, and generosity. Ralph is survived by his three sons: Timothy and wife Nancy of Port Arthur, TX; Stephen and wife Nancy of Bakersfield, CA; and Jonathan and wife Teresa of Pocatello, ID. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Timothy and Nancy's children: Matthias (Hannah and Eli), Timothy (Brynn, Amelia, and Logan), Andrew (John Emil), Faith, Bethany, Leah, and Seth; Stephen and Nancy's children: Jason (Luke) and Rachel; and Jonathan and Teresa's children: Sarah and David. A memorial service which will focus fully on the complete and total grace of Jesus Christ will be held in celebration of Ralph's "promotion" to the arms of his Savior on Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1350 Baldy Ave., Pocatello. Memorial gifts may be given in Ralph's name to the congregations served by his sons: Trinity Lutheran in Port Arthur, TX; St. John Lutheran in Bakersfield, CA; and/or Grace Lutheran in Pocatello, ID. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com. [mappress mapid="21"]