Michael Allen Dingman

Michael Allen Dingman, 67, of Prior Lake, MN passed away on December 5, 2025. His Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Ballard Sunder Home in Prior Lake (4565 Pleasant St. SE) from 3-5pm.

Michael was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and spent his early life there, with a brief time spent in California. Once the family moved back to Minnesota, he attended and graduated from Richfield high school in the class of 1976. Gifted from a young age, he was an exceptional athlete who set records in the 50-yard dash and excelled in the classroom.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he entered the auto body repair industry learning the craft directly from his dad. Over the years he built a proud career, beginning in North Minneapolis and Columbia Heights (where he had to use two n’s for Dingmann Auto Body). In 1994, he settled in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where he founded Dingman Auto Body (with one n), a business that reflected his passion for cars and his generous, kind-hearted nature. He was known for getting things fixed and charging what was fair. He later trained his sons in the trade, who now carry on his legacy.

Michael loved fishing, golfing, playing chess, and spending time with his family. He met his wife Deborah in a moment that seemed meant to be—while walking down the aisle together at her sister’s wedding. Year after year, he traveled to New Mexico to visit his parents and help them with whatever tasks they needed.

He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, natural gifts, and the deep care he showed as a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend. His presence, kindness, and love will be missed by all who knew him. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; children, Aaron Dingman, Nathan Dingman, Rachel Dingman, Sarah Dingman, Matthew Dingman, Meryle Dingman; grandchildren, Aubrey Dingman, Mavrick Preston, Bailee Welch; dogs, Nitro and Maggie; mother, Joyce Dingman; siblings, Karl, Rae Ann; other relatives and friends. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Karl Dingman; and very special sister, Michelle.