Grandma Dinse was born in the village of Lishner, in the eastern part of Germany, on October 10, 1865.  She immigrated  to the United States, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Konitzer, in 1883, arriving in the city of Baltimore Md.  The family later began the long journey which ended at Grimms, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin.  They remained there for 3 and one half years, at which time they moved to Oconto Falls, in 1886.  The family settled on a farm near the beginning of what is now the city of Oconto Falls.

On November 16, 1886, she was united in marriage to John Dinse by the Ev. Lutheran pastor, the Rev. M Boik of Nicollett, Wisconsin.  The couple took up residence on their farm in the town of Morgan, and resided there continuously until she departed the life on Jan. 28.

Grandma Dinse was a real pioneer as the site of the Dinse home was vastly different than it now appears.  Without any conveniences such as autos, radio, etc., the shopping was done once or twice a year on a trip to Green Bay behind a yoke of oxen.  Here Mr. Dinse would take his wheat to be ground into the winters supply of flour, and groceries would be purchased.  Later shopping was done at the Falls, the trip being made with a horse and buggy.

In the earlier days no one ventured on the so-called roads without an axe, as it was frequently called into use to clear away a fallen tree.

Many Indians lived in the woods in those days, and Grandma became accustomed to their coming to her house.  They frequently offered to rock the papoose (baby) to sleep while she attended to some household task.  She often traded articles with the Indians for baskets and berries.

Spinning wool from their own sheep into yarn and then knitting it into stockings and mittens for their family filled many busy hours for Mrs. Dinse.  She supplied the various members with knitted articles for many years. 

With the help of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Dinse made a fine country home and improved farm out of the virgin woods of Oconto County.  Grandma Dinse always believed in helping others.  No traveler was refused food or shelter, and she practiced her firm belief in the saying of the Lord she loved; "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
 

February 1934 
Morgan-

Mrs. Dinse died at the age of 68 years, 3 months and 18 days, after a very brief illness.  She was sitting up in a chair a few hours before her passing.  Mr. and Mrs. Dinse were the parents of four sons, two of whom, William and Albert, preceded her to the great beyond.  Fred of Milwaukee, and Andrew of Morgan, together with their father, survive to mourn her loss.  Other survivors are three brothers, Andrew and Albert Konitzer of Oconto Falls, and Anton Konitzer of Appleton, and five grandchildren.  A sister, Mrs. Clara Keifert of Green Bay passed away about 8 years ago.

Funeral services for Mrs. John Dinse of Morgan were held at the Morgan Evangelical church on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. Rabe conducting the rites.  W. A. Flatley of Oconto Falls was in charge of the arrangements.  The choir rendered several beautiful selections with Mrs. Birr at the piano.  Messrs. Thomas Tracey, Jos. Belanger, Ed Hostak of Oconto Falls, Emil Schlort, Jos. Calba and John Wellnitz of Morgan were pallbearers.  Interment took place in the Morgan cemetery.

Out of town attendants at the rites included Mr. and Mrs. Anton Konitzer and family of Appleton, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Birr and family of Two Rivers, Fred Keifert of Green Bay, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dinse and family of Milwaukee, Mrs. Carl Meier and Mrs. Otto Schroeder of Green Bay.