STEPHEN PAUL DINGER

October 15, 1950 – October 28, 2024

Mt. Juliet – Stephen Paul Dinger, born on October 15, 1950, in Seward, Nebraska, passed away on October 28, 2024, after a brief battle with brain cancer. Stephen, known to his friends and family as a source of insight, candor, and perseverance, was 74 years old.

Stephen's life journey began in Seward and took root at Concordia College (Seward), where he met the love of his life, Nancy (née Unverfehrt). Together, they built a legacy of love, faith, and service over 53 wonderful years of marriage. His career, spanning over 45 years, took them to various corners of the country, including Detroit, Pocatello, Portland, Seattle, and Bakersfield. Wherever he went, Stephen devoted himself to educating and empowering young minds, tirelessly advocating for children and their future. He was not only a beloved educator but also an administrator and an Executive Director for the Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS). Stephen's love for service even extended into his community as he took up the role of an elected city administrator for Dupont, WA.

Along the way, Stephen pursued and earned a Master's in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University. He led with a warm heart and a firm belief in the power of education. In his quiet yet profound way, he consistently championed children's needs and saw them as the enduring hope for tomorrow.

Stephen was not all about work, though; he balanced his dedication with a love for the simpler pleasures in life. When he wasn't working, you'd likely find him reading a good mystery, lending his thoughtful voice to conversations about democracy, or cheering on his beloved Seattle Mariners (with eternal optimism for their next big season!).

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Nancy, and his children, Rachel Atkins (married to Juan Luis Atkins) and Jason Dinger (married to Kristen Keely-Dinger), who carry forward his legacy of dedication, learning, and advocacy.

Stephen's memory is held dear by family and friends, as well as the countless lives he has touched. In his honor, we remember him as a man who believed in the potential of every child, and that we all deserve second chances. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Bakersfield Christian High School, a testament to Stephen's lifelong commitment to quality education.

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Dinger

Sponsored by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home - Nashville Chapel.

11 Entries

Barbara Swenson

Planted Trees

Reza & Diane Bashirtash

November 6, 2024

Dear Nancy & Dinger Family,
We wanted to thank you from our whole Bashirtash family to yours how truly grateful to have known and have the privilege of having Mr. Stephen Dinger at St. John´s Lutheran & BCHS throughout our kids elementary & High School years. He was an amazing person as he touched all of us through his love of education! His smile would brighten everyday with always words of encouragement. Our deepest condolences & sympathy to you and the Dinger family. A great man that will always be remember & missed dearly May he rest in peace

Sandra Vogel Pedersen

November 5, 2024

Nancy,
Thoughts & prayers for you & your family. Sounds many memories of CTC Seward & Concords Portland. God bless you.

Joanne varner

November 3, 2024

So sorry for your loss, he was a great man and touched so many lives including my 2 kids

Ruth Fasolino

November 1, 2024

I was a classmate of Stephen at Martin Luther High School. Remember him as a fun loving, kind young man! My condolences to the family!

Pamela Schmidt Wehking

October 31, 2024

I met Stephen in college and it didn´t take long to realize he was always concerned in how others felt. We went through 4 years of college together and he married into my family! One of my fondest memories is Stephen driving Nancy and I around some of the most beautiful properties in Michigan!!! I wish I could share all the laughter we enjoyed because Stephen made sure we always enjoyed the moments together, including our walks to and from church on Sundays! Stephen was born to help leave this world a better place May God bless his wonderful family as they say their good byes.

Christy Burke

October 31, 2024

Working with Stephen at St John´s was truly a refreshing pleasure. Through much we always "got" each other. He was a sweet man.

Juanita Brunzell

October 31, 2024

I´ll never forget when I was interviewed for a job in DuPont by Stephen and the Finance Director on 9/11. Stephen was a great city administrator and I appreciated his demand of accountability by his staff. I´ve always tried to stay in touch and was so sad to read this devastating news. He´ll never be forgotten.

Jeanmarie Hill, RN-CHPN

October 30, 2024

I will always carry that afternoon in the courtyard in my heart!

Michele, Rick, and Natalie Schmidt

October 30, 2024

Our daughter Natalie attended St. John's Lutheran School from Pre-K to 8th grade and so many memories of her time there include Mr. Dinger. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you during this time. He truly was a special person.

Jimenez Family

October 30, 2024

My condolences to the Dinger family. The memories that will replay in my heart is of Mr. Dinger after already having worked a full day at school being at at every game and interacting with all of the students in the student section at 8/9pm at night. Mr. Dinger would pump up these teenagers and start doing the roller coaster chant with them. He would sit with them and he was just so intentional, supportive, kind, and truly cared about our BCHS family. He has left a piece of himself with each and everyone of his students. I´m blessed to have had my son and our family reap the benefits Mr. Dinger worked so hard for. Rest in Paradise.

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