Christopher Gerhard “Chris” Dinkel, 57, Hays, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at HaysMed surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
He was born April 8, 1966 in Hays, Kansas the son of Melvin J. and Clarita (Pelzel) Dinkel. Chris grew up loving sports and working alongside his dad at LK Dairy. He attended Thomas More Prep Marian High School and Fort Hays State University where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in education. Chris was united in marriage to Kimberly Bagby on July 21, 1990 in Hays. This union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Katelyn Brianne and Joslyn Kae. With the help of his dad, Chris built the family home where they raised their girls and celebrated 33 years of marriage.
Chris taught and coached football at LaCrosse High School before transitioning to Hays High School where he taught for 25 years. After retirement, he accepted a position with Otis-Bison High School where he was working to develop their Industrial Technology Program. His purpose as an educator was to help his students recognize their full potential and to support their endeavors inside and outside of the classroom. The impact he had on his students often extended far beyond their high school years.
Outside of teaching, Chris owned his own business, Dinkel Design & Building, where he designed countless commercial buildings and residential homes in the Hays community and surrounding areas. Chris also spent many years farming and ranching alongside his grandfather near Catharine, Kansas. In his limited downtime, Chris enjoyed boating, fishing, football, spending time with family and friends, and occasionally trying his luck on the slot machines.
Despite Chris's many accolades and accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He worked tirelessly and devoted all of himself to his wife and daughters. He recently discovered, however, that perhaps his greatest joy of all was to be a second-to-none Papa. Chris had an unwavering faith and strong moral compass that he always strived to pass on, living by the motto, "because it's the right thing to do."Chris is survived by his wife, Kim of Hays, two daughters, Katie (Brandon) Clay of Topeka, and Joslyn Dinkel of Salina, a granddaughter Elliott Clay, his brother, William “Bill” Dinkel of Hays, and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and numerous extended family members.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and from 12:00 noon until 12:45 on Saturday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Recitation of the rosary will be at 6:00 PM followed by a vigil service at 6:30 PM all on Friday at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations in Chris’s memory are suggested for the purchase of equipment for the Industrial Technology Program at Otis-Bison High School, with checks payable to Kim Dinkel. Condolences and memories of Chris may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com