Born in Lincoln to Harry Sr. and Kathryn Dingman. A past graduate of LHS, class-1954, Harry was accepted to Harvard, but chose to attend UN-L-Engineering. He graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering-1959, maintaining a 3.9 GPA (out of 4.0) while being a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Kosmet Klub, Blue Print, ROTC, and engineering honoraries: Pi Tau Sigma & Sigma Tau. Later attended the University of California-Berkeley and graduated with a M.B.A. in Marketing-1961. After graduation worked for Del Webb to market the ‘Sun Cities’ retirement living in California. In 1963, he returned to Lincoln to join Natkin & Co as Asst. Vice President and Senior Mechanical Engineer. When Natkin moved to Texas, he stayed in Lincoln and used his extensive engineering knowledge with Olsson Associates, Clark & Enersen, Maniktala Associates, finally retiring after 22 years at NE Dept of Environmental Quality. Harry, as Project Engineer/Construction Manager, was very proud of the projects at State Capitol (AC), Centennial Mall (fountains), NET TV Building, NWU Smith-Curtis & Knight Field House, and Energy Conservation at public schools in Chicago and Rapid City, SD. He was a member and held offices in ASHRAE, Professional Engineers of NE, National Society of Professional Engineers.
In 1959, Harry married Sandra (Sandy) Schlaebitz. They were classmates at Irving, LHS & UN-L. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage in August. Harry and Sandy became proud parents of sons, Harry III, and Tom. Despite being busy working, he never turned down a game of catch, and loved to be in on conversations about friends, skateboarding, bands, photography, art, and humorous antics. A member for over 50 years of Saint Paul UMC, Harry served as an usher and a member of the Property Committee at the time Saint Paul was doing a large building expansion. He was also a past President of the Lincoln Executive Club.
An enthusiastic supporter of Husker football and baseball-knot hole to season ticket holder. He was a dedicated jogger of 3 miles every morning from 1964-2004. After 2004, He began walking with wife- Sandy, and dog-Stella in Taylor Park. Harry and Sandy have resided in the Taylor Park area for over 60 years. Harry with his genuine smile, friendliness, and gift of gab never knew a stranger, even when he became ill.
Survived by his wife, Sandy, son: Harry, III (Holly), and son: Tom. Grandchildren: Sonja, Alice, Jay-he was so proud of them and loved them very much! Niece: Robyn (Bob) Cantin, and their sons: Matthew, Paul. Cousins: Tony (Karen) Dingman, Kim (Pat) Streater, Cindy (Randy) Banta, Meagan (Harvey) Stoner, close friend, Don Ficke.
Preceded in death by his parents and sister Joey.
A celebration honoring Harry’s life with be held Sunday June 23rd 1:00 to 3:00pm at St. Paul, 1144 M St, Lincoln, NE.
Condolences may be sent to family at 312 Park Vista St. 68510. Memorials may be made to Cedars Home for Children, Capital Humane Society or Saint Paul UMC.