Christa-Maria Dinkelman

Christa-Maria Dinkelman, of Cheyenne, passed away at Davis Hospice Center surrounded by her closest family members on October 16th, 2023.
Chris was born in Murnau, the Oberbayern region of Bavaria, Germany in 1933 to Eugen and Martha Steinmaier. She had many stories about growing up before, during and after World War II. Upon graduation in 1952 she moved to Munich, Germany and worked for American Forces Network AFN Radio while completing her apprenticeship in fashion design. While working for AFN Radio she was able to meet famous people of that time including Louis Armstrong and The Dorsey Brothers. During that time her love of jazz and sewing were cemented into who she became. Whilst in Munich she met Larry Dinkelman, became engaged and immigrated to the United States . They were married in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and later settled in Fort Collins They built and she lived in her home till 2023. Together they had three children; Erik, Mark and Anke. One of her proudest achievements was gaining her United States Citizenship in 1965, and soon thereafter followed by graduating with her Bachelor of Arts with Magna cum laude honors in 1970. During her time at CSU Fort Collins, she perfected her gardening skills and became a talented multilingualist. With her degree she taught German at UNC, Poudre High School, Fort Collins High School and retired at Thompson Valley District in Loveland and Berthoud in 1991. Her retirement was spent traveling to as many foreign countries and places in the United States as she could. More achievements filled her list such as; climbing the great wall of China, visiting New Zealand, Australia, Nepal, Japan, United Kingdom, and countless other destinations. Her family was extended by the many foreign exchange students, student tenants and friends she made along the way on her travels. It was during this later part of her life that she perfected her Photography, artistic talents in many different medias and created many beautiful pieces of art that fill her families’ lives and homes. She was a voracious reader and loved crossword puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter. She is survived by her children, Erik (Robin) Dinkelman, Mark (Natalie) Dinkelman and Anke (Tim) Crabdree and grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren. In lieu of gifts or donations, Chris would want you to instead plant something, draw something, or create something for someone you love.