Jeffrey A. Dinkel, 61, of Stokesdale, NC, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Iron River.

He was born in Superior on October 27, 1955, the son of Phillip and Marion Dinkel.

Jeff worked for 38 years for TE Connectivity in Greensboro, NC.

He was quite the outdoorsman going hunting, fishing, and doing taxidermy.  Jeff was a master woodworker, artist, enjoyed barbequing, and never met a barstool he didn't like.  He enjoyed playing hockey and had been a referee for many years.

Jeff always had a smile on his face and was a true gentle giant.  He had a heart of gold and a generosity that knew no boundaries.  Most of all, Jeff loved his family and friends and being with them whenever he could.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Dinkel of Stokesdale; children, Nichol (George) Cook of Boiling Springs, SC, James Cutshall of Greensboro, Ashley Dinkel of Stokesdale, Jennifer Dinkel of Stokesdale, and Rachel Dinkel of Anderson, SC; grandchildren, Gilbert Cook, Morgan Cutshall, and Lily Williams; brother, Timothy Dinkel of Liberty, SC; sister, Jill (Patrick) Burke of Mounds View, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

His visitation will be on Wednesday, July 26, from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th Street, Superior, WI.  Rev. Gary Garnatz of Bethel Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held in North Carolina at a later date.

Active pallbearers, Gary Keyser, Roger Keyser, James Krause, Ken Meysman, Bill Leggate, Patrick Burke; honorary pallbearer, Morgan Cutshall.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Jeffrey's name to Superior Amateur Hockey Association, 1015 Oakes Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 or to Rockingham County Animal Shelter, 250 Cherokee Camp Road, Reidsville, NC 27320.

The family would like to thank the neighbor who responded so quickly with the AAD machine, the Iron River Fire Dept. and Rescue, and the Bayfield County Sheriff's Dept., for your assistance and support.

Jeff left the world doing what he loved, in a place he loved, with people he loved; and best of all, he was happy.