Rev. Michael Patrick Dineen

Rev.  Michael Patrick Dineen obituary, Lake Geneva, WI

Rev. Michael Patrick Dineen

Michael Dineen Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Rev. Michael Patrick Dineen

Lake Geneva - With hope in the resurrection, we commend to the Lord Reverend Michael Patrick Dineen, who died on May 19, 2020, at the age of 96. Fr. Michael was born on a dairy farm in Mequon, WI and in his youth took a great interest in dairy farming and received many awards in his ten years as a 4-H member and Jr. Leader. He went to Messmer High School and from there enrolled at St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary.

Fr. Michael was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Roman Atkielski, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, on May 28, 1949, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. He was appointed to his first assignment on August 9, 1949 to serve as an assistant at St. Clement Parish, Sheboygan. He later served as an Associate Pastor at Holy Rosary, St. Agnes and St. Matthias in Milwaukee, St. John Vianney, Brookfield, and St. Patrick's, Elkhorn.

In 1954 He was asked by Archbishop Meyer to assume the role of Executive Secretary of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. He served in that position for ten years and then became the Publisher and Editor of Country Beautiful Magazine and Books, the publishing arm of The National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The mission of Country Beautiful was to preserve the family farm and the small rural communities that served the farmers and their families.

During his time at Country Beautiful, Fr. Michael edited and published over one hundred books, all of which are registered in the Library of Congress. Several of the Country Beautiful books were on the New York Times best seller list and many of the books won national awards for creative design and unique editorial content.

Fr. Michael continued his interest in Rural Life when he was assigned three rural parishes in the La Crosse Diocese serving St. Mary's Ridge, St. Augustine's in Norwalk, WI and St. Patrick's in Mauston, WI. While Fr. Michael was in La Crosse he developed an interest in caring for the sick and through 1600 hours of CPE work became a certified chaplain. His most favorite pastoral assignment was at Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center in Kenosha where he served as director of Pastoral Care for over fifteen years.

Fr. Michael retired at the age of 75 and returned to the city of his first pastoral appointment, Sheboygan, WI. He was the main help-out or assisting priest at Immaculate Conception and Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parishes. During his retirement he served as Volunteer Chaplain at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and as a very active Chaplain of The Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Rosary Council, 722. In his retirement he continued his love for the land, growing and cultivating his beautiful garden of hybrid roses and a host of other flowers and special plants.

One of Fr. Michael's missions in his Senior Priest days was to be present and active at Christ Child Academy in Sheboygan. He spent many hours, teaching, supporting, and participating in its activities and especially in its mission to fulfill the mandate of Jesus: "Let the little children come unto me."

He was active unto the very final days of priesthood, some 71 years, serving as well, a multitude of parishes in Racine, Kenosha, and Lake Geneva and its beautiful surroundings.

Fr. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Catherine Dineen, brothers, Charles Jr., Robert, Gerald and John, and his sister Grace Bueno. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Swan Baehler, beloved cousins, many nieces and nephews, personal representative, Kimberly Wendt who acted as an angel of mercy along with members of Hospice Care and countless friends and parishioners that he ministered to.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a Private Mass of Christian burial following appropriate safe distancing protocols will be celebrated.

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Reverend Michael Dineen for Christ Child Academy. 2722 Henry St, Sheboygan, WI 53081

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmerfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael Dineen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 30, 2024

Sharon Tourangeau posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2020

Edward O'Brien posted to the memorial.

May 23, 2020

Diana Rand Brinkel (Lampe) posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Sharon Tourangeau

August 30, 2024

Father Michael Patrick Dineen Baptised me in 1953. I am praying for his soul on my 54 day Rosary Novena. Being I was Baptised at Holy Rosary church it just seems so appropriate. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Sharon Tourangeau

Edward O'Brien

May 24, 2020

Our family first met Father Mike Dineen about 6 years ago when he said a Holy Day Mass at St. Benedict's Church in Fontana, Wisconsin. Father Mike continued to help with weekday Masses at St. Ben's during recent years including March 3 and 4, 2020. Father Dineen also served the parishioners at St. Catherine Church at Sharon, Wisconsin. He was most generous with his time in helping with Confessions during Lent and Advent. He enjoyed saying Masses each month at The Atrium Retirement Center at Williams Bay and at Golden Years Retirement Home at Walworth, Wisconsin. He was a very prayerful priest and gave an uplifting homily at each Mass he said. Father always reminded people to show love and concern for their families and be thankful for what God has given to them. Father Mike was proud of his heritage growing up in a large family on a dairy farm. He believed that his parents were influential in encouraging his vocation to the priesthood. Father was very proud of his work as a young man in the National Youth Administration. Father admired the concern shown by President Franklin Roosevelt to truly help the American people during the Great Depression and his leadership during World War II. Father Mike Dineen was one of the finest people I have known. I am a richer person from knowing him. Father Mike will be missed and long remembered for making people feel glad that they came to Church to attend Mass. He thanked every one who helped at each celebration!

Diana Rand Brinkel (Lampe)

May 23, 2020

I had the pleasure of being in the St. Clement's Grade School Class of 1950 and a recipient of Father Dineen's intelligence and compassion along with so many others in our Class. Years later, the summer of 2000, he attended our 50th anniversary and his first assignment to our Church. We met again in 2004 when he celebrated the funeral Mass of my Uncle Joseph, a Priest also, and we were able to talk for a long time at our family dinner. Such a good human being with many interests and always willing to help those in need. A life well lived. Godspeed Father; you will always be there for me and my family.

Dirk and Mary Riemersma

May 22, 2020

Father was our next door neighbor for several years. He had a beautiful rose garden and meticulous yard. We had the pleasure of attending his Anniversary Mass with his long time friend, Mr. John Werner. A dedicated servant of the Lord for so many years. He is now in the Heavenly Gardens with our Lord.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Dineen's name

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Dineen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Michael Dineen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 30, 2024

Sharon Tourangeau posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2020

Edward O'Brien posted to the memorial.

May 23, 2020

Diana Rand Brinkel (Lampe) posted to the memorial.