Lauraine Dinges was known by some as Mrs. Santa Claus because she and her husband, Herman, a.k.a. Mr. Santa Claus, dressed in Santa outfits each year. It was part of the show at their Arvada home, which was covered in lavish Christmas decorations each year.
But Dinges, who died at her Denver home Jan. 7, at age 72, was buried in her polka-band outfit: black slacks, white ruffled blouse and silver coat.
The Dingeses had everything from the Virgin Mary statue to lights reading “God Bless Our Troops” in their yard.
They handed out hundreds of pounds of candy to passers-by and accepted donations for The Children’s Hospital, Herman Dinges said.
Lauraine Dinges’ music had a longer history than even the Christmas decorating, which began 43 years ago.
She started playing the guitar and piano as a child, and after she and Herman Dinges married, they formed the Herman Dinges Polka and Variety Band. She sang and played the piano. The group made several recordings.
“We play everything but rock,” said Herman Dinges.
For years, the band, which had from four to seven members, played at “every Elks, VFW, Knights of Columbus and American Legion hall in the state,” he said, as well as venues in neighboring states. They often were booked two and three nights each weekend.
Lauraine fought multiple sclerosis since 1972 and in latter years had to use a motorized scooter, said her friend Cindy Stremel, a member of the polka band. Because of her fondness for Cadillacs, Dinges referred to the scooter as “my Cadillac,” said Stremel.
Little slowed her down. “She was a happy person and a jokester,” said her daughter, Judy Daily of Arvada. “She loved to play games with us. She was just a lot of fun.”
“She was a loyal friend, strong-willed and a good lady,” said Stremel.
Dinges was a lucky gambler, said Stremel, and liked the slots in Mesquite, Nev. “Once we had to carry her winnings out in a bucket,” she said.
Lauraine Arnhold was born in Hays, Kan., on July 26, 1933. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School in Hays. She married Herman Dinges on April 20, 1953, and they moved to Denver looking for work. They had $124 and a 1951 Chevy.
They got jobs at the Cunningham Restaurant on South Broadway and later worked at Samsonite. She also worked at Safeway.
In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her son, Darrell Dinges of Denver; five grandchildren; and three brothers,, Leroy Arnhold of Thornton, Danny Arnhold of Erie and Gary Arnhold of Hays.
Staff writer Virginia Culver can be reached at 303-820-1223 or vculver@denverpost.com.
