Kenneth Arthur Dinger

Kenneth Arthur Dinger, 91, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2025, after a valiant, stubborn fight with chronic kidney disease. Per his request, private family interment will be held at Center Point Cemetery in Center Point, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held in the Summer of 2026 with military honors.

Ken was a respected administrator, athletic director, teacher, and coach. His educational career spanned 41 years at Central Lee Argyle, Delwood, Dubuque Senior, and Center Point/Center Point-Urbana schools. He spent springs serving as the voice of Center Point track meets and summers bravely teaching driver’s education. Ken’s professional impact was evidenced by the number of former students and colleagues who regularly referred to him as “Mr. Dinger.”

Ken’s true passion was his family. He married Twyla Rae Specht on July 10, 1971. Despite his warnings about pursuing a less-than-lucrative career, his children, Joel and Gail, defied him and followed in his footsteps, becoming educators. Spending time with these rebellious offspring, his wife, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons brought him great joy. In fact, his love of family and the motivation to spend more time with them contributed to a successful battle with prostate cancer. He had immense pride in the accomplishments of his UNI Panther children and grandchildren.

When not playing games or sharing meals with loved ones, he could be found at a local sporting event, working on a crossword puzzle, “resting his eyes” in front of the television, or on the golf course. In fact, after a hospital stay at age 89, Ken recovered enough to play six holes, bogeying half of them. He had only “swung the club” a few times that summer before this final outing. His love of track and field was evident as he attended the Drake Relays for 60 years, often with one of his children by his side. He was also a member of the American Legion, participated in a Washington, D.C., Honor Flight, and recently received a Quilt of Valor for his service in the Army from 1954 to 1956.

Ken spent his final months living at Center Point Heights. There, he thrived–exploring many activities, enjoying Saturday movies, and proudly displaying his wins from Candy Bar Bingo.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Center Point Heights, whose kindness, support, and recognition of his sense of humor helped him overcome significant medical challenges. We also offer our heartfelt thanks to Moments Hospice for the exceptional care and comfort they provided, which played a meaningful role in extending his life. Our family is truly grateful to both organizations—and to the entire Center Point community—for creating an environment where Ken was able to live his best life.

Ken is survived by his wife, Twyla Dinger; daughter, Gail Dinger; son, Joel (Michelle) Dinger; grandsons, Michael Dinger, Jacob Dinger, and Lucas Dinger; In-Laws, Carmin Blake, Lowell Specht, Lwyla Schneider, Dee Soenksen, and Noel Specht; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Charlotte Dinger; sister, Dorothy Hays; brother-in-law, Dick Hays; sister-in-law, Joene Michel; father-in-law, Leon Specht; and mother-in-law, Ruth Specht, whom Ken recently proclaimed, “an incredible lady.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center Point Heights or Moments Hospice in Hiawatha in Ken’s honor.