Jeffry William Dinner

Jeffry William Dinner, age 77, of Cheboygan, passed away at home on May 6, 2026. He was born on April 18, 1949, in Detroit, to William John and Audrey Irene (Graham) Dinner.

Jeff grew up in Detroit and graduated from Cass Technical High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Human Resources from Lawrence Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam era and became a disabled veteran, receiving an honorable discharge.

He married Constance Schuman at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and together they shared three children. Jeff devoted his life to ministry, serving numerous churches throughout Michigan, including Paint Creek United Methodist Church, Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, Nardin Park United Methodist Church, Lambertville United Methodist Church, Memorial United Methodist Church, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Even after retirement, he answered the call to lead the Congregational Church before later serving at Topinabee Community Church. Later in life, he married Lynda Boughan at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, and together they had a daughter.

A man of many talents and interests, Jeff was a competitive roller skater in solo and pairs dance, as well as speed skating. He played soccer in the Scottish leagues in Detroit, became a trained clown, worked as an electrician, was a member of the Masons, Rotary Club, and worked at Nordman-Christian Funeral Home.

Jeff enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, including sailing, farming, candle making, calligraphy, hunting, fishing, golf, martial arts, and baking. Above all, he treasured time spent with friends and family. He was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and the Blinded Veterans Association.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda Dinner; his daughter Elizabeth Irene Dinner; stepchildren, Candice Marie Harrod and Jacob Herschel Harrod; former spouse Constance Warner (Schuman); his children, Martin Everett Dinner, Margaret Louise Dinner (Steven West), and Sean Gavin Dinner (Sarah Penzien); his sister Becky Nettles; granddaughter, Adelaide “Addie” West; and step-grandchildren, Karrie, Alisa, Roy, and Rabeka St. Amour. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, William and Audrey Dinner; his grandchild, Markus Michael St. Amour; his grandparents, Milford “Milt” and Leah Dinner, and John “Jack” and Margaret “Peg” Graham; as well as Kenneth Nettles and Ruth Ann Zbieracz (McKervey).

A celebration of life will be held at St. Thomas Lutheran Church on Friday, July 17, 2026, with Pastor Dave Hueter officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Jeff will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cheboygan Music Boosters.

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