John J. "Jack" Dingeldein

John "Jack" J. Dingeldein, age 80 of Gillett, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.
Jack was born on April 10, 1945, son of the late Jim and Edna (Pues) Dingeldein. He grew up on a farm near Navarino and graduated from Bonduel High School in 1963. He married Sharon Lotto of Green Valley on November 27, 1965. They spent the first seven years of their marriage living in the Town of Navarino, while Jack worked for Western Electric. They built a home in the Town of Lessor and moved to the perfect "Forty-Six Acre Wood" where together they raised their three sons on venison and squirrels. If it had fur, feathers or fins, it got hunted, fished, and eaten. In 1978, Jack left Western Electric to take over his father's business, Jim's Paneling. The business grew and changed much over the years becoming Jack's Lumber and later Oconto County Lumber. His greatest joy was working with his three boys until his retirement in 2019. They continued to live in the Bonduel School District until the boys graduated from high school, before building a home outside of Gillett. This property became their haven, their heaven on earth.
Jack loved fishing, hunting, pitching fast pitch softball and playing baseball for the Navarino Rangers starting at the age of 14. His goal was to continue to play until he could share the field with one of his sons, which would bring to fruition the countless hours of practice he and Scott did on the front lawn. At the age of 42, Jack's goal was accomplished as he was able to catch Scott's pitches on a game day for the Navarino Rangers. Jack also coached the Navarino Rangers for several years, there has now been a Dingeldein on the roster for 67 years, starting with Jack followed by his sons and now grandsons currently playing. He was also the Dairyland League president for 10 years.
For a number of years, Jack and Sharon enjoying spending time at the home they built in New Mexico. They made many wonderful friends there, including Pastor Ted and his wife, Marian, as well as Cuerno Moreno, hunting guide and dear friend.
As a child, Jack attended Ascension Lutheran Church in Navarino. He continued to attend there through the early years of his marriage. Later, he was an active member at Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Scott (Dawn) Dingeldein, Joe (Lisa) Dingeldein, and Mike (Bridgett) Dingeldein; five grandchildren, Kodi (Ross) Jensen, Brianna (Dave Armstrong) Dingeldein, Bailey Dingeldein, Mackenzie (Kaden) Richards, and Mason (Morgan Pecore) Dingeldein. He is further survived by "Uncle" Arlie Pues, many nieces, nephews, and his faithful canine companion, Barney.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley LaRue, Betty Tischer, and Barbara (Howie) VanDen Elzen.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Faith United Lutheran Church from 9 am until the funeral service at 12 pm with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Jack will be interred at Union Cemetery in Navarino at a later date. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
Special thanks to the staff of Bellin Home Health and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care, along with Pastor John Laatsch and his wife, Kathy, for the many visits.
Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse (https://samaritanspurse.org/) in Jack's honor.