Barbara Dinges

Barbara K. "Barb" Howe Dinges, age 77 of Darlington, WI passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born August 19, 1940, in Darlington, the daughter of William and Marion (Shaw) Howe. Barb graduated from Darlington High School in 1958. She was united in marriage to Glenn Soper on October 24, 1959. Their union was blessed with three children: Stephanie, Stuart, and Scott. On June 9, 1979, Barb married Mike Dinges and welcomed another son, Mike, into their family. Barb was a beautician, a secretary for Darlington Methodist Church, Erickson Funeral Home, Court House Ag Office, and lastly, Darlington High School for 12 years. Barb and Mike milked for 25 years and raised Percheron horses. Barb is survived by her husband Mike at home; her children: Stuart (Deana) Soper of Fayette, Scott (Debbie) Soper of Mineral Point, WI, and Mike (Melanie) Dinges of Stoughton, WI; seven grandchildren: ReAnna (Bob) Parker, Sarah Koeller, Andrew (Sheila Mick) Soper, Josh and Natty Soper, James and Katie Dinges, and seven great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings: Connie Howe, Donna (Arleigh) Bondele, and Bill (Suzanne) Howe; sisters-in-law: Janet Howe of Dodgeville, WI, Patti (Jerry) Fridlington and Chris (Kerry) Raymond, both of Kenosha, WI, Wendy (Steve) Barnett of Adams, WI, Sharon Dinges of Merrill, WI, and April Dinges of Virginia, along with many nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marion Howe; one daughter, Stephanie Soper-Hanson; one brother, Jerry Howe; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Hoffman; and three brothers-in-law: Larry Hendrickson, Dave Dinges, and Ed Dinges. Barb was a member of the Methodist Church Women's Choir and Loyalty Circle for many years. After Barb retired, she was so blessed when a neighbor introduced her to china painting. She loved the ladies she painted with: her teacher Annie and dear friend, Juanita Rear. Barb gave many of her plates as special gifts to family and friends. She loved baking and enjoyed music throughout her life; singing, listening, and dancing. One of Barb's greatest accomplishments was bringing joy to many children as she and Mike played Santa and Mrs. Claus for forty years. Barb's patience, her sense of humor, and her pleasant smile were always an inspiration to many. "Your in my prayers every nite, my heart always" -Barb Dinges A visitation for Barb will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2018, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington). A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Barb's name.