Gertrude Catherine Dinkel

Gertrude "Gertie" Catherine Dinkel Gertie was born in March 1925 in Tempe, Arizona. She was one of six children born to Manuel and Josefa (Ruiz) Contreras. Her siblings include Terry, Mary, Joe, David, and Manuel, all of whom, except for David, have preceded her in death. Gertie had four children: Michael Contreras of Manzanillo, Mexico, William Barclay (wife Ester) of Queen Valley, AZ, Cruz (husband Ron) of Bend, OR, and Alejandro Contreras (wife Lori) of Moreno Valley, CA. Gertie worked in the dorms at ASU before relocating her children to Riverside, CA in 1961. She supported her family by working as a waitress at the restaurant in Harris' Department store at the Riverside Plaza. On August 22, 1975, she married Albert Dinkel. Gertie also worked for the Queen of Angels Catholic Church rectory and was especially fond of Father Alphonse. She also babysat two of her granddaughters, Stephanie and Heather from 1984 to 1986. In 2004, Gertie moved to Moreno Valley where she became a parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Gertie Dinkel, loving mother of four children, grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, passed away at the age of 95 in Mentone, California. Her death was preceded by her mother and father, her siblings Terry, Mary, Joe, and Manuel, and her husband Albert Dinkel. She is survived by her children Michael, William, Cruz, and Alejandro, her brother David as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was grandmother to 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She and her late husband, Al, would often go polka dancing with the So Cal Polka Booster Club. She had a green thumb and especially enjoyed caring for her roses. She had a talent for embroidery and created many items by hand for others. She was also well known for collecting anything with roosters on it. A private service will be held at Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary on Thursday, January 7, 2021, after which she will be buried at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Visitation Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Thursday 1/7, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Service Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Thursday 1/7, 11:00 am Cemetery Crestlawn Memorial Park 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, California 92505 (951) 689-1441 | Thursday 1/7, 12:00 pm