Samuel Dings

Samuel E. Dings fought a long battle of prostate cancer for over 19 years. He was very active and he beat the odds so many times that he amazed the doctors, his family and himself.
On July 4, 2024 at age 80, he gave up the fight here on earth to join our Heavenly Father.
Sam was born on December 20, 1943 to Samuel and Virginia (Vernon) Dings in Fort Worth, Texas. Shortly after, they moved to Des Moines where he continued to live and work. Sam had an "interesting" childhood and teenage years and decided that school was not for him. He dropped out after finishing 7th grade at Johnston Schools and later went back to finish his GED.
Sam enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1967. Following this, Sam started his lifelong career in the insurance and investment industry which he did for 53 years. His career started at Met Life for 15 years and then Mass Mutual for the remaining years of his life. In Sam's early career days he constantly achieved many industry awards including 29 years of MDRT, 14 years of Court of the Table and 49 years of other company awards.
Sam is survived by his devoted wife Bobbi of 41 years, and their four children Lonnie (Kasey) Dings; Jenny (Brad) Ruden; Kristin (Craig) Geppert and Nick Dings. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Georgia M. Ochoa, his son Jon, granddaughter Ashli and beloved dog, Chloe.
Sam enjoyed raising pigeons, gardening, golf and going to different casinos. He also enjoyed being a grandpa. He was a grandpa to 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Sam had many clients and friends and enjoyed meeting people. If you were lucky enough to cross paths with Sam, it was memorable.
Sam loved all animals and asked that memorial contributions be made to the ARL in his name if you wish to do this instead of flowers. Sam also enjoyed gardening and loved plants and flowers, so we welcome those too.
Visitation will be held from 5-8PM on Friday, July 12th at Merle Hay Funeral Home in Des Moines, IA. The funeral will be Saturday, July 13th at 10AM also at Merle Hay Funeral Home, with a burial service to follow at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes, IA. The family would like to extend an invitation for all to join them at the Grimes Community Center, across from the cemetery, (410 SE Main St, Grimes, IA 50111) following the burial service for a luncheon in Sam's honor.