Roger E. Hinkeldey

Roger E. Hinkeldey, age 67, died on Thursday, July 22, 2004 following complications arising from recent heart surgery. Funeral services in Illinois were held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles on Monday, July 26, 2004. Local services were held Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Alta. Burial is in St. John’s Cemetery, under the direction of Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Roger Edward Hinkeldey was born November 11, 1936 at the rural Alta, Iowa home of his parents, Edward and Leone (Fahr) Hinkeldey. He was baptized on November 22, 1936 at St. John Lutheran Lutheran Church in rural Alta (an area known to local residents as Hanover). Roger attended St. John Lutheran Parochial School through the 8th grade. He was confirmed on April 2, 1950 at St. John Lutheran Church.

Roger loved the farm, especially the Hereford cattle. He enjoyed helping his Dad with the chores and taking 4-H calves to the county fair. In 1951, he moved with his parents to Cherokee, Iowa, where he graduated from high school in May 1954. During his high school days he worked at the Fareway store and also at what was then called the Mental Health Institute in Cherokee as an aid. He went on to attend Valparaiso University, graduating in May 1958.

He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation from Valparaiso, he served in the US Army, stationed in California. Following military duty, he accepted a position with Cities Service Oil Co. He held positions in Omaha, Nebraska, Kansas City, Missouri and Wichita, Kansas. He was named salesmen of the year for six of seven years with Cities Service Oil Company. In 1970 he was offered a position with Scovill Manufacturing, which involved a transfer to the Chicago area. He and his family settled in Prospect Heights Illinois. He remained with Scovill until the mid ‘80s. At this time he accepted a position at C.M. Smillie as a Division Manager, and remained with them until he retired in 2002.

His Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers remained life-long friends and Pinochle and Pitch playing companions. The only living brother attended Roger’s funeral service in Chicago earlier this week.

In 1964, Roger married Janet Schellpeper in Omaha Nebraska. In 1972, they adopted their son, Barry Edward, while living in the Chicago area. Barry and his wife, Melanie, blessed Roger’s life with three grandchildren, Tiffani, Joelle, and Justin.

Within the last ten recent years, Roger was challenged with numerous health problems, which he endured with a quiet fortitude and courage. This past May, he required a second heart surgery. Complications resulted which ultimately called him home to his Savior. His enduring deep faith carried him through these years of tribulation. Roger will be remembered as a devoted and loving father and grandfather who treasured his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Barry and wife Melanie Hinkeldey; his three dear grandchildren: Tiffani, Joelle and Justin; his sister, JoAnn and her husband Lloyd Boettcher of Storm Lake, Iowa; his companion, Renate Michel; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Roger’s parents, Edward and Leone Hinkeldey, preceded him in death.