Michele K. Dinkel

Michele Katherine Dahl Dinkel 54 of Lake Park, MN, passed away suddenly on June 23, 2014.
Michele was born on May 27, 1960 at St. Alexia Hospital, Bismarck, ND to Kembel “Bud” and Mary Lou McKee Dahl.
She attended Kindergarten through 3rd grade in Richland 44 Public Schools, 4th – 9th grades at Fairview Public Schools, freshman year at Wallhala Public School and sophomore to graduation at Beach Public School, Beach, ND.
While in junior high school, Michele was a standout competitive swimmer setting records in the back and breast strokes in the state of Montana. As a high school athlete, Michele was an outstanding basketball player and first baseman in softball.
After high school Michele attended the University of Mary as the first girl’s basketball player in the state of North Dakota on a full ride athletic scholarship.
She traveled and worked as a member of a geological seismographic team in many parts of the western United States including and extended time in the “4 Corners”.
Michele loved a challenge and variety in her work. She spent time as a bartender, cook, retail clothes sales, owner of a commercial bread route and most recently in the Bakken Oil Field.
Michele married Mike Dinkel on May 24, 1986 in Beach, ND. They resided in Kansas were Michele and Mike worked together as over the road truck drivers. After the birth of her son, Michael Joseph, Michele worked picking up milk from dairies so that Michael Joseph could spend the day with his mom.
Later Michael Joseph and Michele would move back to North Dakota. Ten days after the birth of her daughter, McKenna Kathrine, Michele was diagnosed with cancer. She then moved to Hitterdal, MN to be near family and recover.
Michele and her family moved to Hope, ND, Pelican Rapids, MN where the children attended school. The family settled in Lake Park, MN. In the fall of 2006, Michele and the children add a new member to the family, Dale Boyd.
Michele loved life. She raised her three children with strength, integrity, and courage everyday of her life. Michele will always be remembered as “Auntie Shell” by her nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was always the one to make you smile, laugh and hold your side with her great humor and sarcasm. Michele loved recreational floatie time in the pool or the lake. She found strength and rejuvenation in the water.
There was never a stranger at Michele’s table just someone who would become a friend or family.
Michele will be missed and remembered by all those even briefly knew her or loved her for a life time.
Michele is survived by her children Michael and fiancée Andrea Swartz, Edmore, ND, McKenna and boyfriend Matt Bittner, Grand Forks, ND, Dale and Samantha Boyd, Lake Park, MN, sisters: Kris Keith Mickelson, Hitterdal, MN, Vicky Terry Cayko, Fairview, ND, Sherry ValHirst, Sheyenne, WY, Janice Bruce Freeburg, Grants Pass, OR, nieces and nephews: Kyle Nancy Mickelson, Foxhom, ND, Jacquelyn Chris Free and Jessica Jason Cayko all of Fariview, ND, Kemberly Souter goddaughter, West Fargo, ND, Brian Cox, Laramie WY, Sean Freeburg, Spangdahlen Air Base, Germany. Great nieces and nephews: Carson and Gunnar Cayko, Bridger and Gacelynn Free all of Fairview, ND, Mya Souter, West Fargo, ND, Jayde Haugrose, West Fargo, Josh Haugrose and Chance Mickelson, Foxholm, ND.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Mary Lou Dahl, infant son McHenry Dinkel and special friend Bob Olson.

A gathering of friends and family will be Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.