Pat Dinkins, 86, of Bison, SD passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Service of Remembrance for Pat will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. MT at the Bentley Building in Bison, SD. Pastor Tera Kossow and Vicar Jen Seffrood will officiate and burial will follow at the Bison Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at the American Lutheran Church in Bison, SD and one hour prior to the service at the Bentley Building on Saturday.
Pat Olin Dinkins was born on November 11, 1939 at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge near Dunn Center, ND, the son of Chesley and Polly (Pelton) Dinkins. Pat grew up on the Refuge, attending school in Dunn Center. After high school he worked at the Dunn Center Lumberyard for 1 year, then he went to work for the US Federal Game Fish & Parks. Pat was united in marriage to Gerri Gilbert on August 6, 1964. They lived in Rapid City, SD for one year before moving to Bison, SD in September, 1965. They shared 61 wonderful years together, raising 3 children. Pat worked in predator control for the State of SD for 35 years. He loved his job and was dedicated to the area farmers and ranchers and could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal with them. Pat loved attending events for his kids and driving bus for sporting events. He loved the outdoors, spending time on the prairie, hunting with his kids and grandkids and a good game of cribbage. Pat enjoyed planting a garden, reading a good book and tending to his plants and flowers. Pat loved his family and was happiest when grandchildren would visit. He liked to say “Who has more fun than we do!” He will be dearly missed and we all feel blessed to have had him in our lives. Pat had a kind word for everyone and loved to visit with people.
Pat is survived by his wife Gerri, his children, Patrick (Michelle), Beth (Allen) Kollman, and Paul; grandchildren, Jordan Kollman, Amanda (Jake) Fischer, Matthew (Tori) Kollman, Kaden Kollman, Brianna Dinkins, Cassidy and Stella Dinkins, Novali’, Keelin, Fallon, and Saoirse Dinkins, and great grandchildren, Layla and Callen Fischer. His sisters, Peggy, Iris (Butch), and Cathy; sister-in-law, Judy; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Brian, Danny (Gwen), Paul (Beryl); sisters, Minnie, Polly Ann (Bob); brother-in-law, Lyle.
