Dina Karin Verplank, 36, of Willow Branch died March 2 after battling breast cancer. Dina was born Feb. 24, 1981, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Tom and Janice (Dippel) Verplank and the wife of Matthew Rinehart. Dina is survived by her mom, her husband, her sister Johanna Verplank, brother Gerrit (Erin) Verplank, nephews Ashten and Jayden Verplank and niece Bellarose Verplank.
Dina was a graduate of Herron School of Art and Design. She became a tattoo artist in 2009
and opened Firefly Tattoo with her brother Gerrit Verplank, of Westfield, and Laura Black in 2012. Dina was known for her unique whimsical colorful designs, and her clients would travel all across the nation to have a tattoo design done by Dina. She was admired for her passion in her art and the way she viewed the world. It was not unusual for Dina to have smudges of paint and charcoal on her forehead and cheeks and remnants under her nails. She loved art and loved to create. Dina admired the beauty of nature and travelled the nation with her husband discovering hidden gems that would later inspire her creations.
Dina made a lasting impact in the Indianapolis art community that will continue to be felt long after she is gone. She was an advocate for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Her voice and her art will continue to live on through those she touched.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to help establish a scholarship fund at Herron School of Art in Dina’s name at gofundme.com/scholarship-fund-in-dinas-name.
