Ivan K. Dinges, 78, of Montoursville, left this Earth and entered into God’s Kingdom Nov. 21, 2018, at Geisinger Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a sudden illness.
He was born July 2, 1940, in Coburn, a son of the late Russell and Stella (Weaver) Dinges.
Ivan was a graduate of Penns Valley High School in 1958 where he was a member of its first wrestling team and also played football. In 1962, he graduated from Lock Haven University, majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Driver’s Education. While attending, he played varsity football and was a varsity heavyweight wrestler.
From 1962 to 1966, he taught special education at Penns Valley High School, and additionally was the head football coach and an assistant wrestling coach. During this time he helped coach his brother, Max who became a state wrestling champion.
In 1967, he taught special education at Loyalsock High School, where he was both head wrestling coach and an assistant football coach.
He received his master’s degree, in 1969, from Bloomsburg University, in mentally and physically handicapped education. He received a supervisor certificate from Bucknell University. He then went on to retire as Director of Special Education from Blast I.U. #17.
Ivan was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on its Board of Trustees for several years and went on a mission trip to Mexico, with the church.
He enjoyed remodeling houses, the first being in 1969, and the last being his parent’s farmhouse in Centre County. The house, originally built in 1792, was the place he was born. He loved his family, hunting, and being in the mountains. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, he responded “It is those that I will leave behind.”
He was raised on a farm, one of nine children, and his father owned and operated the Dinges Gristmill along Pine Creek, in Centre County. The water powered gristmill was where he worked while growing up.
In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were a brother, Dillard, and sisters, Betty Geiser and Shirley Mowchan.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years the former, Ann A. Adams, whom he met on her first day at college when he returned early for football at a dance in Roger’s Gymnasium; children, Michael A. (Christina) Dinges, Melissa J. (Michael) Lundy, Marcy L. (Sean) McCann, and Matthew R. (Alison) Dinges; a brother, Max K. (Martha) Dinges; four sisters, Geraldine Hoffman, Vivian (Harold) Neidigh, Nelda (Lewis) Davidson, and Connie Rose (Gary) Martin; and eleven grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Dinges, Elizabeth Ann, Nathan, and Madelyn Lundy, Tyler, Andrew, and Allyson McCann, and Kristen, Katie, and Kelly Dinges.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at First United Methodist Church, 2 Ross Street, Williamsport, with Rev. Richard D. Waters officiating. Burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery.
A viewing for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Church United Methodist Church to support Transform Lycoming County.
