Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes has been named the 2025 Business Central Mark of Excellence: Family-Owned Business of the Year. The award was presented by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.

For more than 150 years, the people behind Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes have served generations of families across Central Minnesota with compassion, integrity, and dedication. What began as a small-town funeral service has grown into nine locations across the region, with a business deeply rooted in community tradition while embracing the evolving needs of the families it serves.

They have locations in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Avon, Becker, Clear Lake, Eden Valley, Long Prairie, Princeton and Big Lake.

History

The Dingmann family’s legacy dates back to 1909, when John Dingmann operated a hardware store in Clear Lake that also offered funeral services in a chapel above the shop. Over the years, his son, Frunce, expanded the business, carrying on the tradition of care and commitment. Meanwhile, the Tschumperlin family established one of St. Cloud’s earliest funeral homes in 1873, a business that later came under the ownership of Barney Williams after World War II. These two family-run operations eventually merged in 2008, forming Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes.

Now led by fourth-generation siblings Doug Jr. and Deb Dingmann, the company remains committed to providing personalized, meaningful services. With a dedicated staff of 35 full-time employees, the family continues to innovate while honoring its history. The fifth generation is already stepping into the business, ensuring that the tradition of service will carry on for years to come.

Over the decades, funeral traditions have evolved, and Williams Dingmann has adapted to meet those changes. Today, approximately 60 percent of families opt for cremation over traditional burial services. Recognizing this shift, the family invested in their own crematorium and launched a sister company, Cremations A Simple Way, offering affordable, no-service cremation options. They have also remodeled their St. Cloud location to reflect changing preferences, replacing casket rooms with smaller displays and expanded gathering spaces.

While the industry has changed dramatically, their mission remains the same: to provide comfort and guidance during life’s most difficult moments. Whether it’s a simple cremation or a full-service funeral, Williams Dingmann is there to help families honor their loved ones in a way that feels right for them.

Beyond their business, the Dingmanns are deeply involved in the Central Minnesota community. Doug spent 25 years as a volunteer firefighter in Sauk Rapids, and the family actively supports the Knights of Columbus, church groups, and other local organizations. They also provide assistance to families who are unable to afford funeral services, ensuring that no one is turned away in their time of need.

As Williams Dingmann looks to the future, expansion remains an option, though hiring new professionals is a growing challenge. The University of Minnesota remains the state’s only school offering a mortuary science degree, and Williams Dingmann has taken an active role in supporting students through mentorship and tuition assistance in hopes of strengthening the industry’s future workforce.

They continue to be a pillar of support in Central Minnesota, carrying forward a legacy that spans five generations through growth and compassion.