Donald Leo Huinker, 90, passed away on February 14, 2022 at Wellington Nursing Home in Decorah, Iowa and was escorted to his heavenly home by God and his beloved wife, Catherine. Donald was born April 23, 1931 on the home farm near Festina, Iowa to Frank and Caroline (Einck) Huinker. He graduated from eighth grade from St. Mary’s School in Festina, Iowa and later received an honorary high school diploma.
Donald served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1953. He was united in marriage with Catherine Zweibahmer on November 17, 1953 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, Iowa. They raised eight children on their farm south of Ossian, Iowa. Donald had a passion for farming and retired in 2002. He moved from the family farm in 2017 and spent his last four years in Decorah at Wellington Assisted Living. Donald was an active member of American Legion Post 503 for sixty-nine years. He enjoyed playing cards, a rousing game of Chinese Checkers, fishing and dancing to Polka music and waltzes. He loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they brought great joy to his life and kept him young at heart.
Surviving Donald are his children, Nancy (Kevin) Timp of Calmar, Iowa, Janice Huff (Larry Peterson) of Cresco, Iowa, Donna (Frank) Ryant of Cresco, Iowa, Bonita (Don) Oliver of Ossian, Iowa, Raymond (Mary) Huinker of Decorah, Iowa, Roger (Cathy) Huinker of Ossian, Iowa, Teresa Nelson of Decorah, Iowa and Randy (Tina) Huinker of Ossian, Iowa; grandchildren, Joy Sim, Jessica Drilling, Chad Hackman, Shannon Hurd, Sara Dishinger, Anne Piper, Donald Oliver, Amy Dettman, Jenny Huinker, Samantha Gansen, Jonathan Huinker, Tiffany Wagner, Jacob Huinker, Justin Nelson, Dawson Huinker, Quinn Huinker and Linlee Huinker; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild to be born in April 2022; and his sisters-in-law, Arlene Huinker and Bernice Huinker.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Huinker; parents, Frank and Caroline Huinker; sisters, Bernice and Lawrence Buchheit, Ethel and Leonard Luzum, Geneva and Clarence Kuennen, Marjorie and Paul Huber; his brothers, Neil Huinker, Robert Huinker, Gerry Huinker and Virgil Huinker; and son-in-law, Dale Huff.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a 4:00 pm Rosary on Friday, February 18, 2022 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass time at the church on Saturday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the celebrant.
Burial with Military Rites will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian, Iowa.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.