Mike Dinnel Memorial Fund

Honoring Mike Dinnel

It is with heavy hearts that we come together to honor the memory of our dear friend and team member, Mike Dinnel. Mike was an integral part of the Meritage Homes team and touched the lives of so many people. He was a cherished friend, beloved father and husband, and valued member of our community.

In the wake of this tragic loss, we are honoring Mike's memory with a memorial fund. The funds raised will go directly to his family to support their needs during this difficult time. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and help Mike's loved ones with any immediate and long-term expenses.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mike’s Honor on Friday, April 26, 2024; from 12-4 p.m.

Knights of Columbus

1096 E Bridge Street

Brighton, CO 80601

Thank you for your generosity and support.

With heartful gratitude,

Meritage Homes - Denver Division

Obituary of Michael Dinnel

Michael Dinnel passed away on March 31, 2024, in Berthoud, Colorado, amidst ongoing health issues at the age of 55. Mike was raised in the Denver, Colorado area, was a lifelong Broncos fan, attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Colorado Mesa University.

Mike was a Colorado all-state football player in high school and was recruited by many universities – eventually choosing to play for University of Kansas in 1987. In 1989, Mike was recruited by Coach Bob Cortese and transferred to Colorado Mesa University (Mesa State) and was named RMAC all-conference defensive lineman (1989, 1990) and the team won the RMAC championship in 1990. Mike continued playing defense in the Arena Football League for Coach Babe Parilli of the 1991 Denver Dynamite where the team lost in the playoff semifinal. As a player, Mike was known as extremely tough and an incredibly loyal teammate. Mike played bigger than he was and played hurt most of his career. Mike simply loved football. He would bristle when a buddy suggested he was looking “small” in the weight room and he would quickly return a comment and rack up heavier weights. Mike always kept a competitive fire burning.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree and taught Biology at Denver area public high schools for several years while also coaching football and track. Mike added his master’s 2degree in 2009 and proceeded to grow as a construction manager for several of the largest homebuilders in the Denver area, most recently with Meritage Homes. For over 20 years, Mike would manage the simultaneous construction of dozens of homes non-stop during the home-building boom in the Denver area.

Even bigger than Mike’s shoulders was his heart and the warmth he had for others. He would help anyone who needed it. Mike was soft-spoken but quick to defend what he believed was right. He enjoyed his family trips to Grey Rock Reservoir boating, fishing, and hunting were annual traditions. Mike especially enjoyed his pursuit of elk in the mountains during wintertime. Mike enjoyed planning and thinking about such challenges.

At the age of 18, Mike had a favorite black Chevy Camaro and he set out to find his way with the stereo blaring and a smile. Perhaps he is doing so once again. Mike will be remembered and missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his son, David and his wife, Karen, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Georgia Dinnel.