Final Obit

Barbara Jean Dinse, a woman whose love for her husband, three children and her god set the foundation for her life, died Tuesday related to an enlarged heart at her home in Oakfield, Wis. She was 44-years-old.

Barbara was born Aug. 15, 1961 in the town of Fond du Lac, the daughter of Greg and Bonnie Michels. She was educated in Fond du Lac, graduating from St. Mary Springs High School with the Class of 1979. While in school she participated in band, was a member of the National Honors Society, while also excelling in her classes. Shortly following high school, Barbara met the love of her life, Michael John Dinse, while at a church picnic. They were married May 29, 1982 at St. John’s Church in Woodhull, Wis. The sweethearts shared 22 years together; they were blessed with three beautiful boys, Jonathan, Bryan and Matthew.

She served as an administrative assistant at the Forest Mall in Fond du Lac for the past 10 years. At the mall, Barbara is credited for bringing many promotions, events, vendors and stores to the town of Fond du Lac. She received an award for her implementation of an event titled Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. Her contribution to the community of Fond du Lac can be seen in the security of its local economy.

Her service to her job and the city was only matched by her service to her and her family. She will be remembered as a faithful wife and a great mother who always placed herself second to the people that she loved.

“She was always helping me out, making things better. Without her I couldn’t find anything or do anything,” said Bryan Dinse.

Raised Roman Catholic by her parents, religion played a major role in Dinse’s life. Church acted as the meeting place for her entire family, a place where she could share in the message of God with her aunts, uncles, parents and most importantly her husband and children. She not only attended church every Sunday but also participated in the service. She was treasurer of the church, organist and Sunday school teacher at Our Risen Savior Parish in Woodhull.

An avid camper, Dinse was always planning her next big campout with family. She loved swimming, riding bicycles around the campground, grilling burgers and making pudgie pies. She spent the majority of her weekends during the summer months at campgrounds throughout Wisconsin, such as Wilderness Campground in Montello, Wis. or Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville, Wis.

Still, it was the little things such as making brownies for a bake sale, never missing a football game or slipping cash in a pair of jeans for gas money that separated Barb from all of the other mothers.

“She always made you feel good, regardless of the situation. She had the ability to listen and offer a kind word, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was truly the most genuine and caring person I have ever experienced,” said her 21-year-old son Jonathan Dinse.

Barb is survived by her parents Greg and Bonnie Michels of Woodull, husband Michael of Oakfield, sons Jonathan of Oshkosh, Wis., Bryan and Matthew of Oakfield, two brothers Tony (Sharon) and Joe Michels of Woodhull, three sisters Kathy (JD) Smith of Waupun, Wis., Chris (Roy) Guell of Woodhull, Rita Riendeau of Lamartine and other relatives and many friends.

Her grandmothers Mary Michels and Doris Skowlund preceded her in death.

Funeral services with the Mass of Christian Burial will be held Feb. 12, 2005 at 10:30 p.m. at Our Risen Savior Parish in Woodhull. Burial will follow the service and will be officiated by Rev. Roger Savage.