Christopher D. Dingle

Our sweetest most beloved Chris went to be with God at home with his family. Although we are beyond heartbroken, we are finding comfort knowing he is in heaven and no longer fighting. Chris battled a horrible disease for 3 years with so much grace and class and heroism. He taught us all so many beautiful lessons on this journey and we will be forever grateful for that. The family is also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love from the community during this time.  All the love ❤️ as Chris would always say- be safe. 

Christopher David Dingle (65) was born on December 23rd, 1959, in Orlando Florida to Father Fernley Moyse Dingle and Mother Louis Ethel Brott. Chris was one of 5 children and had 3 sisters and 1 brother. They lived an outdoor dream of a childhood playing in the lakes, climbing trees, playing all the sports and loving on his family pets- his favorites being, Little Shit the cat and Herman the dog. 

His first book as a child was…If You Grew Up with Abraham Lincoln, which kick started his life as an amateur historian and his lifelong love for President Lincoln. Chris graduated from Oakridge High School in Orlando Florida in 1977 where he was a multi-sport athlete and his love for track and football flourished. He was very passionate about continuing his education and went on to become the proudest Jaguar from The University of South Alabama. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in Political Science. He didn’t stop there though, and continued his education with a Master’s degree in Public Administration also from USA. While pursuing his masters, he worked as a hall director at Spring Hill College which helped launch his career.

 During his time at South Alabama, he met the absolute love of his life, Ellen Sondreal Dingle. They eloped in 1987 originally and later made it extra official with a wedding ceremony at St Mary’s Church with their family. They were married 38 years and just as in love today as the day they met. Shortly after their wedding and a career stop at University of North Carolin Charlotte as a hall director, Chris then started his 30-year career in the housing department at the University of North Dakota. He was a dedicated but FUN professional who made campus and everyone around him feel happier and more welcome. UND was so fortunate to have him for so long. Some accomplishments from his academic and professional life include playing on many intramural sports teams call “The Generics”, serving on student government for USA and representing UND as a staff senator.

Beyond this, his greatest accomplishment and pride and joy in life was becoming a father to his three great sons- Christopher, Conner and Casey. He wanted nothing more in life than to be a dad and he was truly the greatest one to ever do it. Chris never missed a game, performance or life event for his boys and was their rock and safe space throughout all of life’s journeys. Anything he did with his sons he loved, that included being a room parent when they were young, playing and watching sports (GO BUCCANEERS), gardening, golfing with Jim, singing Tim McGraw on the way to the lake, taking the boys to Disney World and Sea World and everything in between. As the boys got older, Chris had the privilege of watching all 3 sons get married and even become papa to his two beautiful grandchildren, Rowan and Mackenzie. Chris was born to be a dad and papa and he wore those titles with such pride and his family was so fortunate because of that. His grandchildren gave him hope and encouragement as he persevered through his fight the last few years and he was able to create some of the sweetest memories with them. Chris always kept his main focus his family, he was an incredibly good, kind and generous man that wanted nothing more than to help and serve his loved ones. 

He had a quiet faith that he shared with his dear wife and was strengthened throughout his battle with cancer. Chris went to be home with God in Heaven on January 5th, 2025, in Grand Forks North Dakota surrounded by his loved ones. He will be missed beyond measure and his legacy will never be forgotten. 

He is preceded in death by his parents- Fernley and Louis, his sister - Robin, his aunt- Margaret, his brother-in-law - Judd, and grandparents -Ellen and George McKinnon.   He is survived by his wife- Ellen, his 3 sons- Christopher (Hannah and Mackenzie), Conner (Kloe and Rowan), Casey (Emily), and his siblings- Sandy (Blaine), Keith, and Sue (Doug). 

 Chris’s family would like to plant trees locally in his honor. If you would like to contribute to this project, you can donate or purchase a tree through All Seasons in Grand Forks. 

We will be celebrating the life of Christopher David Dingle on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation will happen from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Starting at 5:30pm there will be a prayer service as well as time for people to speak about Chris and share stories and memories with everyone until 6:30pm. Family encourages guests to come prepared to speak if they so wish. 

Following the service at Amundsons, the family is asking those that would like to join to continue to celebrate Chris’ life at the Eagles Crest Grill, 5301 S. Columbia Rd. from 7:00pm-9:00pm.