Darlene Sue Dinkel

We begin today with a celebration of the life of Darlene Sue Dinkel, an adventurous, friendly, and generous soul who left us peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on January 21, 1939, in Cardin, Oklahoma, Darlene's journey through life was marked by her infectious curiosity and her boundless sense of adventure. She passed away of natural causes in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Darlene, known affectionately by those close to her simply as Darlene, was a bright light in the lives of many. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Leon Dinkel, her parents, Lloyd and Lear Medlin, and one brother and sister. Her legacy continues through her three daughters, Shirley Dinkel, Lori Laskowski, and her husband Ray, and Lisa Eslinger, and her husband Hank. Darlene's spirit will live on in her four grandchildren, Jason, Corey, Lindsey, and Lynnea, as well as her seven great-grandchildren, Dakota, Trent, Dante, Cody, DaeVon, Mareon, and Mariah. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Springstead, her brother, Lloyd D. Medlin, and a host of extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Darlene's professional life was as rich and fulfilling as her personal one. Her favorite role was as a child care worker at Martin Luther King Day Care in Salina, Kansas. There, she poured her love and energy into nurturing young minds, a fitting vocation for someone whose generosity knew no bounds. Darlene's colleagues and the children she cared for will undoubtedly remember her warm presence and the kindness she extended to every child.

Beyond her professional work, Darlene was a woman of many interests and talents. Her zest for life was unmatched, as was her curiosity about the world and the people in it. She found joy in travel, exploring new places with a group of close-knit friends, and experiencing the beauty of the world firsthand. Darlene lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment with open arms and a ready smile.

Those who knew Darlene describe her as an individual who never met a stranger. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel like they mattered, and her interest in the lives of others was genuine and heartwarming.

Today, we honor the memory of Darlene Sue Dinkel, a remarkable woman whose love and enthusiasm left an indelible mark on all she met. Her passing is a loss to us all, but her spirit of adventure and her legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Darlene's life serves as a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and explore the world with an open heart.

As we say goodbye to Darlene, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey filled with laughter, discovery, and the warmth of genuine connection. She will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created will provide comfort and joy to her family and friends for generations to come. Darlene Sue Dinkel's story is one of love, adventure, and the kind of friendship that endures beyond the bounds of this Earth. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit continue to soar.

Because Darlene loved flowers, a celebration of life will be held in the summer.

Donations in Darlene's honor can be made to Martin Luther King Child Care Center in Salina, Kansas, sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.