Jerome R. "Jerry" Hinkley

Jerome "Jerry" R. Hinkley, age 67 formerly of Torrington and a resident of Chicago, IL died Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Mercy Hospital, Chicago. He was born in Fond du Lac on November 2, 1942 the son of Arthur G. and Muriel G. Friedel Hinkley. Jerry was a graduate of Goodrich High School. He attended University of Wisconsin"“Oshkosh and received certification as a master gardener from the University of Nebraska. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a crew chief in the Vietnam War. He was employed with Giddings & Lewis and later worked with the Chicago Northwestern & UP as an engineer retiring after 27 years of service. His friends' comments perhaps capture him best, "We will always remember Jerry as a witty, fun loving, servant and friend. He is an inspiration for all of us in how to live life to the fullest, no matter what the circumstance"¦." and "Jerry loved to make people happy through laughter, happiness and sharing. We loved Jerry for his honesty, integrity and his ability to work with a wide variety of people to solve the solution to an effective Knights of Columbus BINGO which provides funds to a number of deserving charities. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. There was emptiness when he left Torrington and a much deeper one now." Jerry was a member of Old St. Mary's Church, Chicago, life member of VFW Post #1904, Fond du Lac, American Legion Post No.10, in Nebraska, Fond du Lac Eagles Aerie No. 270. He was a 4th Degree Knight and a member of Knights of Columbus Council #6623, Torrington, WY, where he was co-chairman of KC Monday Night Bingo until his final days. He was a member of Elks Lodge No 1726 B.P.O.E., Moose Lodge and a Master Gardener in Torrington. While living in Fond du Lac he was a member of the Fond du Lac Toastmaster's and the Jaycees. Jerry enjoyed baseball, cooking, gardening, telling jokes and giving advice "“ whether solicited or not.SURVIVORS: His wife of 32 years, Janet Hinkley, Chicago, IL one daughter, Lisa (Brent Billows) Lake Forest, IL. His aunt, Joyce Johnson, Fond du Lac, numerous cousins and many special friends further survive him. His parents and grandparents preceded him in death.



VISITATION: Friends may call on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 4 to 7:00 PM at the Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. FUNERAL: Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM at the funeral home with Deacon Paul Monzel officiating. Cremation will follow the traditional services with inurnment in Calvary Cemetery. Services will also be held in Chicago, IL; Remembrance Gathering, Weather Mark Tavern, Tuesday, May 11, 5:30-8 p.m. Friends are invited to join the family for a casual celebration of Jerry's life.Torrington, WY: Memorial Service, St. Rose Parish, Friday, May 14, 11 a.m., followed by lunch provided by the Guadalupe Society at the parish hall.Per Jerry's wishes, the family requests memorials in lieu of flowers; Sent to- either memorial.Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Rd Lake Forest, Il 60045. In memory of Jerry Hinkley should be on the memo line or to the Kennedy's Disease Association P.O. Box 1105 Coarsegold, CA 93614-1105. The memo line should include his name. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. See Guest Book and other information at www.ueckerwitt.com.