Arlene Dinkla

Arlene Ruth Dinkla, 90, passed away at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.

Arlene Ruth (Wollenhaupt) Dinkla was born on June 22, 1918, to Erwin and Effie (Vetterick) Wollenhaupt of Bridgewater, Iowa. After graduating from Massena High School and obtaining her teaching certificate, Arlene taught country school.

On March 8, 1942, Arlene was united in marriage to Elmer Dinkla. They began their married life on the Dinkla home place south of Wiota. In 1951, they moved to their farm south of Casey.

Arlene was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, St. John's LWML, the Casey Women's Club and ODO Club, and a former 4-H Leader. She was an avid gardener, a fantastic cook, a great homemaker and a loving mother.

Arlene is survived by 7 children, 26 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Her children are, Dr. Dennis Dinkla and his wife, Barbara of Snohomish, WA, Daryl Dinkla and his wife, Kay of Urbandale, IA, JoAnn Johnson and her husband, Brian of Panora, IA, Lynda Bauman and her husband, Darrell of Adel, IA, Dwight Dinkla and his wife, Brenda of Guthrie Center, Dr. Dallas Dinkla and his wife, Romonia of Casey, IA, and Diane Uhlenhopp and her husband, Dalen of Eldora, IA. She is also survived by her sister, Ardith Caviness of Sioux City, IA.

Preceding Arlene in death were her parents; her husband, Elmer; her sister, Lois Myerly; her brother, Gerald Wollenhaupt; and her grandson, Brian Hays.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Casey, Iowa. Visitation will begin at the church on Friday at 1:00 p.m., with family present from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Burial will be Oakwood Cemetery, Casey, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church or the Adair-Casey School Foundation.

Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Casey, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.