John T. Huinker, 78
John Theodore Huinker, 78, of Austin died on Jan. 4, 2009 at his home.
John was born Jan. 18, 1930 in Fort Atkinson, Iowa to Anthony and Christine (Duclos) Huinker, and he grew up in Austin. In August 1948 he married Mary Weis in Rochester. She preceded him in death in 1986. In May 1987 he married Donna (Olund) Christensen in Austin at St. Olaf Lutheran Church where they were both members. John retired from the Hormel Foods Corp. after 43 years. He enjoyed bowling, bird watching, cooking, working in his yard and lounging in his pool. John was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Huinker, Austin; children, Joel (Mary Dahl) Huinker, Austin, Christine (Gary) Thorson, Rochester, Joan (Mark) Flaherty, Rochester, Mark (Debi) Huinker, St. Ansgar, Iowa, Tim (Kris) Huinker, Waconia, Jessica (Dan) Wampach, Stewartville; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Adolph (Ethel) Huinker, Austin, Hildegarde Golden, Austin, Rosemary (Bill) Cook, Austin.
In addition to his first wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Christine Huinker; three brothers, Art, Don, Francis; three sisters, Margaret, Virginia and Delores.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Reverend Ron Barnett officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The casket bearers will be Gary Thorson, Dan Wampach, Jeff Huinker, Tony Huinker, Aaron Huinker and Brian Huinker.