PINNEKE, Michael L. (1959-1991)

PINNEKE, HANSEN, VANOORT, JASS

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 5/1/2023 at 13:47:34

Fireman dies in line of duty

Mike Pinneke, 31, Garner Volunteer Fireman, died in the line of duty Monday night, June 10, after suffering an apparent heart attack while en-route to the fire station to answer a fire call.

Garner firemen had attended a meeting at the fire station earlier Monday evening and Pinneke had returned home. When a fire call came about 10 p.m., he headed to the fire station. He had pulled his vehicle to the side of the road on State Street between 7th and 8th Streets when he was found. CPR was started and he was taken by the Garner Volunteer Ambulance Service to Mercy Hospital in Mason City where he passed away.

The fire had been sighted south of town and was reported as being in the general area outside of Unicover's building. Upon arriving in the area, firemen discovered it was actually a brush fire in the old city dump. The firemen were returning to the station when the ambulance call to assist a fireman was issued.

Services for Pinneke are pending.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 12 Jun 1991, page 1, column 5

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Michael L. Pinneke
1959-1991

Services for Michael L. Pinneke, 31, Garner, who died Monday, June 10, 1991 at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, were held Thursday, June 13 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Father John W. Hemann officiating. Ron McCabe served as lector.

Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher, who accompanied the church choir and soloist, Rev. Gary Marzolf. Ushers were Elmer Urich and Robert Kral.

Honorary casket bearers were members of the Garner Fire Department and their wives.

Active bearers were Mark Tendall, Chuck Holland, Terry Jass, Rick Gilbert, Don Reese and Joe Deibler.

Burial was at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner with Cataldo Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

Michael Lee Pinneke, the son of Lawrence and Merna (Hansen) Pinneke, was born July 16, 1959 in Mason City. He received his education in the Garner-Hayfield School system and graduated in 1977. During his school years, he was active in 4-H programs a enjoyed sports.

April 18, 1980, he married Rhonda VanOort at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. The couple has resided in Garner since their marriage. Michael worked for Holland Construction of Forest City as a foreman for the past eight years.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner and a member of the Garner Fire Department. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda and their children, Nicholas and Christine, all of Garner; a sister, Mrs. Todd (Julie) Jass of Garner; his parents, Lawrence and Merna Pinneke of Miller; and his father- and mother-in-law, Homer and June VanOort of Garner.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Pinneke, his paternal grandparents, his maternal grandmother and a nephew.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 19 Jun 1991, page 6, column 3