Niona Dinger

Niona Heyen Dinger, 99, Breckenridge, MN, formerly Wyndmere, ND, passed away Saturday, September, 8, 2012 at St. Francis Nursing Home, Breckenridge, MN, under the care of Riveredge Hospice. The Funeral Service will be Wednesday, September 12, 11:00 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, Barney, ND. with visitation Tuesday, from 5 PM to 7 PM with a 7 PM Prayer Service at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be at Walcott Cemetery, Walcott, ND.

Niona was born January 1, 1913 at Walcott, ND, the daughter of Albert and Alvina (Ista) Dierke. She grew up and attended school in Colfax Township. She married Martin Heyen on November 27, 1929. They farmed in Wyndmere, Colfax, and Walcott areas. They moved into Walcott later where she worked as a cook in Walcott School for 18 years. She also worked in Joyce's Café and Jim's Hardware in Walcott. Niona was a member of Walcott Lutheran Church and was active in the church aid and circle; and also was active in the Senior Center.

Martin died September 13, 1976; she continued to live in her home in Walcott. On November 11, 1982 she married Walter Dinger, the couple resided in Wyndmere. She belonged to Peace Lutheran Church, Barney, ND, and LWML. She was a member of the Wyndmere Senior Citizens and was treasurer of their meal program. Walter passed away January 23, 1994, Niona continued to reside in Wyndmere with her sister until 2005 when she moved to the Leach Home in Wahpeton. In July of 2012 she entered St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge.

Niona enjoyed cooking, sewing and dancing. She loved music and had a very special love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Niona is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Dwight) Smedshammer, Fargo; four grandchildren, Courtney (Derik) Arneson; and Becky (Brian) Cronin, Steven Smedshammer (Christine Hoffman) all of Fargo, Brad (Marsha) Smedshammer, Gloucester, VA; two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Drew Cronin; nieces and nephews,

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Martin Heyen and Walter Dinger, infant twins, three brothers, Alvin, Edwin, Walter Dierke; sisters, Annie Jones, Ethel Brandt, and infant twin sisters.