Dana Dimel

(October 9, 1962 – December 3, 2024)

Dana August Dimel was born to John and Joann Dimel on October 9, 1962 in Columbus, OH. The son of John and Joann Dimel.  He joined his siblings: Leslie, Johnny, Jessica and Matthew. On December 3, 2024, he peacefully passed away in his sleep. 

Dana graduated from Upper Arlington High School (OH), then attended Hutchinson Junior College and graduated from Kansas State University - forever a K-State Wildcat.  

After playing for and initially coaching at Kansas State University, Coach Dimel was the Head Football Coach at the University of Wyoming, University of Houston and UTEP. He had stints of coordinator and assistant coaching responsibilities at Kansas State University, University of Arizona and most recently University of Illinois.  

Daughter Josey and Dana’s life together started when JoJo was just a toddler.  There were many silly special moments between the two of them.  May Josey and her fiance DJ feel the warmth of D’s love and wisdom as they begin their wedded life together.

There are no words to fully describe the special bond that D had with his son Winston.  The love they had for each linked them intrinsically. Winnie and his dad spoke daily and were an extension of each other.  Their bond is for eternity.

Dana and Julie (Josephson) were married on the 50 yard line of War Memorial Football Stadium in Laramie, WY on August 7, 1999.  Big D adored his JuJu and she adored him, they had a deep soulful connection.   He and Julie were absolute best friends and each other’s “person”. Their bond of love transcends any earthly presence…a true love story.

Dana is survived by wife Julie, son Winston (Manhattan, KS), and daughter Josey Thompson (DJ Stoneburner) (Paso Robles, CA). His mother-in-law Nancy Josephson, brothers-in-law Jeff Josephson and Jon Josephson (Staci Vrzak), sisters-in-law Krissi Josephson and Terri Josephson (all of New Hampton, IA), and Suzi Whitman (Guthrie Center, IA).  Winston’s mother and stepfather Kim and Scott Iverson, and Winston’s Grame - Berneice Black (All from Manhattan, KS).  

Preceding Dana in death are his Parents John and Jo Ann Dimel, Siblings : Leslie Route, Johnny Casbarro, Jessica Riegel and her husband Jeff Riegel, and Matthew Dimel. Father-in-law Duane Josephson, and Grampe Jim Black.

A Life Tribute will be held at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium – West Stadium Center on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

A memorial for Dana Dimel has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502. Please indicate fund M47487. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/dimel.