Patrick J. Dinges, 87, of Brighton, passed away Feb. 17. He was born Aug. 1, 1928, in Schoenchen, Kan., to Paul and Clara (Randa) Dinges. He attended school in Shoenchen and in Brighton, after moving with his family to Brighton in 1938. Pat married Betty Gabel Aug. 25, 1947, in Brighton.
When he was young, Pat worked at the sugar factory and then became a carpenter for Joe Marone Construction from 1950-1965. In 1965, he opened Pat’s Furniture, where he was the owner/operator until his retirement in 1992. He enjoyed working and always whistled while he worked.
Pat was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was a founding member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church Credit Union and volunteered with the food pantry. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus chapter 3285, where he served as past grand knight and district deputy. He was also a member of the Elks Club, BPOE 1586.
Pat was a devoted Catholic, a loving husband and family man with a forgiving and generous heart. He believed in his family and his community and was always giving to those who were in need.
Pat is survived by his wife of 68 years, of Brighton; four children, Sandra Bischoff, of Brighton, Shelley (Rob) Lopez of Bennett, Lori (Bob) Markley of Brighton and Paul (Debbie) Dinges of Centennial; a sister, Mary Werth of Hays, Kan.; a brother, Celly Dinges, of Thornton; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two children, daughter, Linda, and son, Greg; granddaughter, Mandy; son-in-law, Terry; eight brothers and four sisters.
The Rosary was Feb. 21 at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home in Brighton, which handled the arrangements. The Mass of Christian burial was Feb. 22 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Interment followed at Elmwood Cemetery.