John W. Dinkel

John W. Dinkel, 80, of Terre Haute passed away Thursday evening, December 8, 2022. John was born May 5, 1942 in Terre Haute, IN to John W. Dinkel and Severne English Dinkel. On June 1, 1963 he married the love of his life, Rolanda Perdieu. He retired as Chairman of the Board of Forrest Sherer, Inc.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rolanda Perdieu Dinkel; children, Brett Dinkel (Sheila), Cami Little (Paul) and Kynon Dinkel (Jennifer) all of Terre Haute; seven grandchildren, Logan Dinkel (finance Jordan), Chase Dinkel, Justin Hall (Kate), Ben King, Thomas King, Reece Dinkel and Jenna Dinkel; two step-grandchildren, Madison (Dawson) Houser and Hannah Little; and two great-granddaughters, Riley Hall and Taylor Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was a graduate of Glenn High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University. While at Indiana University he was an accomplished member of the Army ROTC and ATO Fraternity. He was a 1LT in the US Army. He was involved in numerous affiliations and associations both locally, and nationally including; Union Hospital Foundation, Boys Scouts of America, Strawberry Hill Cannoneers, Terre Haute Chamber-President, Terre Haute Economic Development, Scott College of Business-Dean’s Executive Council, United Way, Gibault School, ESPFL, Board Member of Merchants National Bank, Independent Insurance Agents Association, Country Club of Terre Haute-President, St. Paul Insurance Company-Presidents Council, Terre Haute Housing Authority, Vigo County School Corporation, IIAI Harry P. Cooper Jr. Industry/Public Image Award Winner, Honorary Insurance Commissioner-The State of Indiana, Big I Board of Directors, lead Forrest Scherer to several Big I Awards including Agency of the Year, and proud member of Terre Haute Lancer’s Auto Club. The development of Terre Haute and giving back to the community was exceedingly important to John.

John was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather (aka Pop-Pop) and great-grandfather. He enjoyed great trips and adventures with Rolanda to many parts of the world, making friends along the way. Family vacations were a priority – especially time spent in Minnesota on Lake Wabana. Over the years he cherished time spent with friends on multiple hunting, fishing, golf trips and the Elks bowling league. John had a love for cars, especially the classics. Upon retirement he returned to his passion of drag racing, “Dinkster Racing” became well known as they traveled the NHRA racing circuit. He liked to engage with people by sharing stories and the occasional joke. John was a family man, friend and mentor to many, and never met a stranger. He was loved by all.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, December 17, 2022 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. Private entombment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 16th from 3:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

If friends should so desire, in lieu of, flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Hospital Foundation, 1606 North 7th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804; VNA/Hospice of the Wabash Valley, 400 8th Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47804. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .