Paul Owen Dingeman, age 81 of Spearfish South Dakota, passed away in Spearfish on Saturday, January 26, 2013.

Paul was born January 29, 1931 in Deadwood South Dakota to Harry and Edith (McNeill) Dingeman. He grew up, and attended school in Spearfish. He married Joan Lindstad in 1953 in Belle Fourche, SD. After spending two years in the U.S. Army, he returned to Spearfish. Paul and his father owned Ding's Service (now known as the Valley Corner) and the Dutch Dairy. Paul was active in scouting and was a swimming instructor. In 1953, Paul received his B.S. Degree in Education from Black Hills State College in Spearfish. He received his Master's Degree from USD, Vermillion SD, in 1967 and Education Specialist Degree from USD, Vermillion SD, in 1974. He taught school in Vermillion for two years and was a high school principal and superintendent in Minnesota for ten years. In 1978 he moved to Belle Fourche, where he was a high school and middle school principal. He retired in 1996 and moved to Spearfish.

He served on the Minnesota Governor's Crime Commission, the Vatican II Council and other local and professional boards including hospital, church, library, chamber boards and the South Dakota North Central Accreditation Board. He is a past member of Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Jaycees, Lion's Club and state and national school administration's associations. In 1988 he was awarded the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" from Black Hills State University. Paul enjoyed spending his time with family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed donating his time working on projects at his church. He was an avid woodworker. Paul loved to square dance and treasured the friendships he had as a member of the Buckles and Bows.

Paul is survived by his wife Joan; daughters, Lynn (Bradley) Pohlman of Lead SD; Bonnie (Wayne) Dougherty of Apple Valley MN; son, Bruce (Susan) of Calgary, Canada; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren; sisters, Teresa (Wayne) Lindstad and Martha (Wayne) Dacar; brother, David (Gail) Dingeman; brother-in-law, Dale Wagman and sisters-in-law, Janice(Don) Helmer and Betsy (Dick) Moseley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger and sister, Mary Jane Wagman.

Memorial Mass will be at 3:00 P.M., Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Fr. Tyler Dennis officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.