Earl Hinkel

Earl Edwin Hinkel was born January 20, 1932, to John and Gilma (Kline) Hinkel in Pisgah, Iowa. He was raised in Pisgah and graduated from Pisgah High School in 1950. He worked for the railroad for a short time and then he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years serving on the U.S.S. Pittsburgh. After his honorable discharge he returned to working at the railroad. Earl married Marjorie Guttau on January 6, 1956, in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple lived in Council Bluffs and then moved to the farm south of Pisgah. This house burned down in 1971, but they rebuilt on the farm and continued to enjoy farm life. Marjorie died in January of 1982. Earl moved to Omaha to work in the construction field. Earl married Bonnie Clark in December of 1987. The couple continued to live in Omaha. Earl retired from construction in 1992.

Earl was a member of the Methodist Church in Pisgah. He enjoyed golfing, watching his grandchildren play sports and playing with his grandchildren. He also loved going to the Navy reunions.

Earl died December 9, 2011, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 79 years, 10 months, and 19 days.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; fist wife, Marjorie Hinkel; infant sister; and two grandsons, Brandon Clark and Cole Hutchinson. He is survived by wife, Bonnie Hinkel of Omaha, Nebraska; two children, Randy (Lisa) Hinkel of Madrid, Iowa, Mike (Laurie) Hinkel of Omaha, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; four step-children, Craig (Pam) Clark of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Pam (Gary) Hutchinson of Carroll, Iowa, Jeff (Denise) Clark of Pisgah, Iowa, Rick Clark of Omaha, Nebraska; three brothers, Lyle (Ethel) Hinkel of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kermit (Wanda) Hinkel of Gettysburg, South Dakota, Larry (Tina) Hinkel of Mapleton, Iowa; sister, Cleona (Bud) Wilson of Mondamin, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.