Donald John Dinius

Donald John Dinius, “Papa”, 89 years of age, passed away on March 26, 2025 in Snowflake, Arizona.  Don was born October 7, 1935 to Leo and Rose Dinius.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Dinius, his father Leo Dinius, his brother, Gerald Dinius and wife, Nellie Dinius.

Donald is survived by his brother, Raymond Dinius and sister, Eileen Mann and his pet dog, Whitney.  Don is further survived by stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Donald was born in North Dakota, attended Catholic school as a young man and was then required to begin working the service stations to help support the family.  Donald moved on to working in tire stores, building a rapport with customers and moving up the ladder as a General Manager.  Donald moved to Snowflake, Arizona around 1990 and began to sell manufactured homes where again he thrived to make customers happy.  Donald had a way about him that gained the respect of his customers and word of mouth was beneficial, but not to forget Donald’s hard work and dedication to provide for his family. 

Donald enjoyed the outdoors.   Over the years, Donald worked often with his horses and many dogs.  He found time to build a peach orchard, in Snowflake, Arizona, with his wife, with over one-hundred trees where people would travel from town to purchase the fruitful peaches by the bushel.   The money raised, paid for the taxes on the property.  Donald was an extraordinary man with fantastic stories and a phenomenal memory.  He was such a plethora of information and would read anything he could get his hands on including a box of instructions, front to back, for his automatic cleaning lady, the vacuum or as we call it, the Roomba.   Donald never stopped living, although his body would not keep up with him as days went on in life. 

A viewing, Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church in Snowflake, Arizona.  The viewing and Rosary shall begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m.   The Burial shall take place in Heber, Arizona Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. next to his beloved wife, Nellie Dinius.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church, Snowflake, Arizona.

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