Neal Laroy Dingman

Neal LaRoy Dingman, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Woodlawn Meadows in Hastings, Michigan on June 23, 2023.

Neal was born on August 19, 1936, in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Howard and Unah (Stewart) Dingman.  He was a 1954 graduate of Nashville MI High School.  On June 12, 1960, Neal married Annetta Marie Stamm, and enjoyed 53 years together until her passing in August of 2013.  Neal proudly served his country in the National Guard and Reserves.

After high school, Neal became an automotive mechanic for Reahms Motor Sales in Hastings. In 1986 he went to work for the Frantz dealership in Hastings and was there until he retired from the same location under the Seif Chevrolet name in 2007. He started as a mechanic, then moved to service manager, and was in sales when he retired. He loved the sales part of his career the best because of all the people he met and helped get into a decent car and had many repeat customers.

Neal was raised on a dairy farm in Nashville, Michigan and was a life-long farmer producing crops, raising cattle, and horses on his farms in Hastings and in Nashville. He raced standardbred harness horses in the Michigan fair circuit for over 30 years and served on the Barry County Fair Board.  He was also a member of the Michigan Harness Horsemen Association

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Unah Dingman and wife Annetta Dingman.

He is survived by his daughters Diana (Michael) Karpinski of Michigan City, IN, Gail (Mark) Horsefield of Hastings, MI, Grandchildren Tyler Eaton and Allison Eaton both of Hastings, MI, Erik Karpinski and Kyle Karpinski both of Michigan City, IN, Great-Grandchildren Mia Eaton of Hastings, MI and Donovan Karpinski of Michigan City, IN, Special Daughter Teresa (Bruce) Coenen of Hastings, MI, Siblings Loren (Margaret) Dingman of Hastings, MI, Roger (Bonnie) Dingman of Nashville, MI, and Lois Dingman-Browne of Evart, MI, 13 nieces and nephews, many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Per Neal's wishes there will not be a separate visitation. The service and lunch will be Casual Farmer Friendly just like Neal and will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Two-Hearts Barn, 463 N Charlton Park Road; Hastings, MI 49058.  Memorial Contributions can be made to Hastings FFA Alumni, 799 Durkee Rd, Hastings MI 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.