SCRANTON, Kan. – William “Willie” K. Dinger, 78, of Scranton, Kan., passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Willie was born March 6, 1947, in Princeton, W.V., the son of William J. and Loretta L. (Higginbotham) Dinger.
Willie served his country with pride in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Serving the military was near and dear to Willie’s heart, and he carried the honor with him throughout his life while also being a proud supporter of the American Legion Post 1650 and the VFW.
A true love story, Willie started out as a pen pal, exchanging letters for almost a year, with Renalyn Rivas. While she was in Hong Kong, the two decided to meet in the Philippines. After she came home, the two made it official, getting married Dec. 4, 2001, in Topeka, Kan. Together, they shared almost 24 years of marriage.
Willie was a man of many talents, whether it was in music, singing, or playing guitar. The outdoors held a special place in his heart, and he could find peace in fishing, raising his beloved horses, or getting his hands dirty while working on cars and trucks. Spending time with his family, especially playing Santa Claus at Christmas time, brought him the most joy.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Rena; children, Adrienne Nicole Greenfield and her husband, Stephen, Abigail Kaylyn Dinger, Benjamin Nathan Dinger, William Douglas Hyndrich and wife, Lisa, Jessi Snook, and Debra Sieliet and her husband, Richard; three beloved grandchildren with a fourth one the way; three sisters, Frieda “Gaye” Wheeler, Betty Boatwright, and Donna Mae Maxfield; a brother, Chuck Lee Dinger; and a loving extended family.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ronnie Jack Dinger.
Visitation will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Scranton Cemetery, Scranton.
Memorial contributions can be to the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the American Legion Post 1650, and can be mailed or left with Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Condolences can be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.
