James Patrick Dinkel 59, of Sterling, Alaska (formerly of Long Prairie) passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from a non-Covid condition.

James was born April 1, 1961 to Romaine and Veronica (Raudzis) Dinkel in Browerville.  He was the seventh child of a seventh child (Romaine) and grew up on the family farm with eleven brothers and sisters outside of Long Prairie.  James was very athletic and followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, excelling in sports throughout high school and attaining a scholarship in football at St. Cloud State.  Later he apprenticed as a plumber where he worked for several years in the Long Prairie area.  Around the turn of the century, he made his way to Alaska where he joined two siblings and lived the last two plus decades.  In Alaska, he met the love of his life, Katherine, and made his home on the Kenai Peninsula where they worked and enjoyed the great northern outdoors with family and friends.

James was a thoughtful man who enjoyed socializing with family and friends.  Even though he was born on April first, he was no fool, and not ashamed or afraid to talk about any subject that he felt was relevant and discussion worthy.  He will be missed.  Rest in the presence of Jesus and we will see you soon.

  “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  Thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

He is preceded in death by his parents, Romaine and Veronica Dinkel, two siblings (Mary Ellen Otremba and Bernadette Dinkel) and brother-in-law (Kenneth Otremba).

James is survived by his twenty-year partner, Katherine, siblings, Michael (Karen) of Anchorage, AK, Charles (Linda) of Long Prairie, Ann (Brad) Peterson of Swanville, Joan (John) Keane of Prior Lake, Jackie (Doug) Cobb of Soldotna, AK, Katerie (Steve) Broz of Rogers, William (Nancy) of St. Paul, Joseph of Long Prairie, Thomas (Amy) of Long Prairie and many nieces and nephews and their families.