Kathy Dinger

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Saturday, April 26, 2025
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 73

Kathleen Jean Hovey, the daughter of Clarence and Lucille (Schuler) Hovey, was born January 19, 1952, in Estherville, Iowa, and departed this life on April 26, 2025, at the Kadoka Nursing Home in Kadoka, SD, at the age of 73.

Kathy grew up in Armstrong, Iowa. She received her education at Armstrong School, graduating in 1970. While in school, Kathy loved to sing in both the church and school choirs. She also enjoyed going to the pool and the library. Following high school, she attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, where she met her future husband, Ronald Dinger. They were united in marriage at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, Iowa on February 17, 1973. They lived in Sioux Falls, SD, while Ron finished college and while they were there, their only son, Ryan, was born. They also lived in Sheldon, Sanborn, and Primghar, Iowa before settling in Armstrong, IA. Kathy spent her time as a mother and homemaker before beginning work as the Activity Director at Valley View Nursing Home in Armstrong in 1979. She was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church where she continued to share her love of music by singing in the choir and directing the junior and cherub choirs for 25 years. She enjoyed watching her nephews, then her son, then her grandchildren participate in sports.

In 2007, after the passing of her mother, Kathy and Ron moved to Rock Rapids, IA, to be closer to their grandkids. While there, Kathy worked at the Rock Rapids Care Center as the Activity Director until health issues caused her to retire in 2014.

In 2016, after Ron’s retirement, Kathy and Ron moved to Wall, SD. Kathy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. On Christmas Day 2018, Kathy suffered a brain bleed. She continued to reside at home until her health required her to be moved to the nursing home in Kadoka on November 30, 2021. She continued to reside there until her death.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Ron Dinger of Wall, SD; one son, Ryan Dinger and his wife, Cindy and their four children, Ava, Nora, Emmet, and Ethan all of Wall; sister Carolyn Jones of Armstrong, Iowa; one sister-in-law Linda Spurr and her husband Mahlon of Houghton, SD, and two brothers-in-law Gerald Dinger and his wife Darlene of Britton, SD and Arnie Dinger of Hecla, SD; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lucille Hovey; father and mother-in-law Orville and Joyce Dinger; and brother-in-law Arlo Jones.

Memorial visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. CDT Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, Iowa with Vicar Kim Kacmarynski officiating.

Interment will follow at the Armstrong Grove Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 325 Wall, SD 57790.

Service Details

MEMORIAL VISITATION
Sunday, May 11, 2025 - 4-6 p.m. MDT
Rush Funeral Chapel
Wall, South Dakota

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:30 a.m. CDT
Nazareth Lutheran Church
Armstrong, Iowa

CLERGY
Vicar Kim Kacmarynski

MUSIC
Glenn Henricksen - Pianist
“Sealed with a Kiss”
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
“How Great Thou Art”
“He Touched Me”

PALLBEARERS
Kathy’s Four Grandchildren
Ava, Nora, Emmet, and Ethan

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Present and Past Workers
at Valley View Nursing Home

INTERMENT
Armstrong Grove Cemetery
Armstrong, Iowa

Guest Book

We offer our condolences to your family and friends during this time of loss and sorrow. Kathy truly let her light shine brightly as she used her singing talents as well as her abilities as an Activities Director to bring joy into the lives of many people through the years. May the peace of God give you comfort today and in the days ahead.
   ~ Phil Henriksen & Family Ringsted, IA (4/30/2025)