Roger Dinger

Roger Merlin Dinger of Surprise, Arizona unexpectedly passed away at home on January 2, 2022 at the age of 76. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Toyoko, and his children, Maria Lucille Palu (Maveni Palu), and Taiga Dinger, as well as his granddaughters: Olivia and Oreina Palu. Roger was born in Pennsylvania on November 17, 1945 to Ralph Merlin and Vada Lucille Dinger. When Roger turned 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) from his hometown of Dayton, Pennsylvania so that he could see the world and then eventually meet and marry Toyoko, the love of his life, in Hokkaido, Japan. Together, Roger and Toyoko shared many adventures and travels while raising their family and always making time to fish, golf, or garden, their favorite shared hobbies. During his military career, Roger traveled and was stationed in several countries throughout Europe and Asia, making life-long friendships and collecting cherished memories while adding to his coin collection. Roger retired from the USAF after 32 years of service, achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant and as a Vietnam War Veteran. He continued to complete a college degree and began his civilian career in University Place, Washington with Toyoko and Taiga, where he bought and enjoyed beautifying his first home during his spare time. Once Roger completely retired from working, he and Toyoko moved to Surprise, Arizona to welcome more sunshine and time for family and hobbies during their senior years. Roger loved being outdoors, where he spent most of his later years woodworking, landscaping, and fishing. Roger will be truly missed for his boisterous wit and unabashed charisma and always remembered for his service to his country and sacrifices for his family.