Joseph "Joey" Van Dinter

Joseph "Joey" Van Dinter

Joseph John Van Dinter "Joey", age 60, of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, November 4, 2024, after bravely fighting cancer for over two and a half years. Courage is defined as "strength in the face of pain or grief."

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, with Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze celebrating. He was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery following Mass.

Joey was born on September 11, 1964, in Portage, Wis. son of James and Nancy (Stanton) Van Dinter. Joey was a lifelong resident of Wisconsin Dells. He had an outstanding high school wrestling career, winning three state championships and was inducted into the WD Hall of Fame. He went on to wrestle for the University of Wisconsin and graduated in 1987. He returned to the Dells to work along with and eventually succeed his father in their American Family insurance agency. After his successful 36 year career, he was inducted into the American Family Hall of Fame.

Joey was an ardent and lifelong supporter of Wisconsin Dells and Wisconsin Dells High School athletics. He demonstrated his commitment by serving his community as a school board member, a mentor and coach to students and a co-founder of Let's Golf About It, a benefit for mental health awareness and resources. He spent many hours contributing his time and talents to the St. Cecilia Parish, the Dells Wrestling Club, the Parks and Rec Board, and the SSM Health St. Clare Foundation. He was honored this past fall as Parade Marshal for the annual Wo-Zha-Wa parade.

The most important part of Joey's life was his family. Whether caring for his parents, coaching his son, attending his daughter's dance recitals and volleyball matches, visiting the Northwoods with friends, enjoying the shores of Lake Michigan, or road-tripping across the country on family vacations, his first concern was always the health and happiness of his family.

Joey is survived by his loving children, Sophia and William Van Dinter; his best friend, Julia Van Dinter; sisters, Susan O'Brien and Audrey (Brian) Purdy; and his brother, James Van Dinter. He is also survived by treasured nieces and nephews, Kevin O'Brien, Brendan (Jordan) O'Brien, Bridget (Sean) Dugenske, Ashley (Logan) Brown, Lindsey (Andrew) Leech, Bradley Purdy, Nathan (Jessica) Van Dinter, Maurice (Vanessa) Van Dinter, and Cheyene Van Dinter; other relatives and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Nancy; and brother-in-law, Tracy O'Brien.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Mike Fedewa, Dar Mor, Craig Kobylski, Jimmy Holden, Randy Scott, Tom Heller, Melissa Henry, TJ Nelson, and Jim McFaul, for constant care and camaraderie; Greg Borcherding, for daily cheerful messages; Tom Field, Peter Elftmann, and Barry Davis, for their frequent check-ins. Our gratitude goes to Dr. Shari Munneke, Dr. James Heun and nurses at St. Clare Oncology, and Dr. Noelle LoConte and the clinical research team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, for their respectful and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, Joey would be honored by donations in his name to SSM Hospice and the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Thank you, to all who surrounded Joey and his family with love over the last few years.

"Keep Moving Forward".

The Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Wisconsin Dells, Wis. assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.