TERRIL — David Dean Dingel, a longtime farmer, skilled woodworker, military veteran and active member of the Terril community, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at age 84.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home, 1101 10th Street in Milford.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the United Methodist Church, 302 South State Street in Terril.
David was born January 5, 1942, in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Alyce Dingel. He spent his early years on a farm near Ocheyedan and attended a one-room country school.
His family moved to a farm south of Terril in 1954. David attended Terril schools and graduated from Terril High School in 1962. Following graduation, he worked for the Terril Cooperative Elevator and the State Conservation Commission.
David married his high school sweetheart, Linda Willemssen, on July 18, 1964. Their marriage spanned 62 years and included the birth of two daughters, Darci Sue in August 1969 and Darilea Ann in June 1972.
Also in 1964, David enlisted in the Army National Guard in Estherville. He served for six years.
In 1968, David began farming through a family corporation alongside his father, brother and brother-in-law. Agriculture remained an important part of his life, and he particularly enjoyed raising livestock. His farming operation included cattle and sheep, as well as a World Grand Champion stallion exhibited at numerous quarter horse shows.
Outside of farming, David was known as an enthusiastic collector and a talented woodworker. He operated a cabinet-making business and spent more than a decade displaying and selling his creations at craft shows.
David also enjoyed traveling around Terril in his Ranger and restoring a 1955 Chevrolet with his son-in-law.
He belonged to the Terril United Methodist Church and served on several church committees. His community involvement included 25 years on the Dickinson County Fair Board and 10 years on the Terril Telephone Cooperative Board.
David also helped organize Terril’s centennial celebration in 1995 and participated in the Terril Kiwanis for several years.
Although farming, woodworking and community service filled much of his life, David’s greatest joy came from his family. He treasured time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the many close friends he made over the years.
David is survived by his wife, Linda Dingel; daughters, Darci (Lee) Schumacher and Dari (Craig) Fehr; grandchildren, Nichole Clark, Heather (Shawn) Bibler, Jake Schumacher, Joe Schumacher, Kylea Fehr and Aisha Fehr; step-grandchildren, Grant Nielsen, Ben Nielsen, Haley Nielsen, Alivah Bibler, Ryker Bibler and Kaylyn Bibler; great-grandchildren, Jayce Rouse and Leo Gracanin; brother, Doug (Teri) Dingel; brother-in-law, Dennis (Linda) Willemssen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Alyce Dingel; sisters, Diane Trojahn and Deborah Johnson; brothers-in-law, Orlin Trojahn and Tom Johnson; and parents-in-law, Claude and LaVonne Willemssen.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.