WOODRUFF / MADISON - John Daniel Dinga, 75, of Woodruff, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in his home, surrounded by family. Born on November 18, 1950, in Madison, Wis., to John and Fern Dinga, he entered the world during a memorable family deer hunting trip up north.

John graduated from La Follette High School in 1968 and then began his career at Oscar Mayer shortly before his 18th birthday, where he dedicated the next 30 years. On January 10, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Stiegman. Though they parted ways for a time, they renewed their commitment and celebrated 46 years together on June 11, 2026.

In his younger years, John was an avid bowler with many trophies to his name, and he loved golfing, hunting, and fishing. He was also actively involved in Cottage Grove Softball and loved driving out west with his family. Later in life, he cherished “fire pit nights,” reconnecting with old friends, gambling, and most of all, family gatherings that were so precious to him.

John was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, papa, and friend to so many over his years. He poured his heart into providing for his wife and raising their four children. He faced his cancer diagnosis with characteristic strength and humor, even through challenging treatments in recent months. He never lost his ability to joke with his loved ones - bringing laughter and light even in the hardest times.

John is survived by his loving wife, Nancy “Nanc” Dinga; his children, Kim (Steve) Motelet, Mike (Jennifer) Dinga, Lindsey (Tyler) Hendrickson and Dan (Brenda) Dinga; his grandchildren - his pride and joy - Hunter, Alex and Greyson; his siblings, Ruth Ann (Orville) Kerl, Sue (Mike) Alt, Ron (Lori) Dinga and Gary (Holly) Dinga; and his aunt, Ruth Ann Dinga (widow of his late uncle Jerry); along with a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives he touched deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fern Dinga.

A funeral service will be held at NIMSGERN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1025 Margaret St., Woodfuff, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Another service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens, 3054 County Road BB, Madison. A luncheon will follow at DOUBLEDAYS, 4586 Baxter Road, Cottage Grove, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In honor of John’s love of sports and the outdoors, family and friends are invited to wear Wisconsin sports apparel or other favorite outdoor wear to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations in honor of John to assist in the continued care of his daughter, Kim. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

John Dinga

November 18, 1950 - July 07, 2026

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