Harry Merton HINCKLEY

HINCKLEY, CARTER, ALDRICH, LESTER, TULP, MALEK, HEIFNER, DUNCAN, STRAND, RIIS, UTZ, HOKE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/10/2008 at 23:20:00

BELMOND - Harry M. Hinckley, 83, a lifelong resident of the Belmond and Rowan area, died Saturday (June 7, 2008) surrounded by his loving family at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister, officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by the Rowan Legion Post No. 159 will be at the Graceland Cemetery, rural Rowan. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today, June 10, 2008, at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Harry's name may wish to direct them to the family.

Harry Merton Hinckley, the son of Samuel Dwight and Nellie Belle (Carter) Hinckley, was born on June 17, 1924, on his parents' farm in rural Rowan. He was raised in rural Rowan and attended Rowan area schools. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II. Harry had spent time during his military tenure in Germany, as well, as having some involvement in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon being honorably discharged from the service he returned to civilian life and began farming in the rural Rowan area. On Dec. 12, 1948, he was united in marriage to Jean Aldrich at the church in Rowan. Their union was blessed with three children: Karen, Robert, and Thomas. The couple continued to farm and raise their family on the farm for a number of years. In addition to working the land and raising a crop, Harry, along with his wife and children, raised sheep and milked dairy cattle. He had also spent some years employed as a custodian at the Rowan Schools during his time of farming, as well as, doing some custom farming and assisting other farmers with their tasks. Harry eventually went to work at Hagie Manfacturing in Clarion, where he was diversified at many different tasks including, welding, cut-out torch work, and milling. He was a dedicated employee at Hagie's for more than 20 years. In later years, Harry could be found helping out with the many chores at Aldrich Tree Farm near Rowan.
Harry and his wife were wonderful parents and always strived to include their children in whatever they did. Their children fondly remember family trail rides together through Bingham Park near Rowan and along the trails in the Grove near Belmond. Trips to a horse show, sledding at Gunderson's Hill and an afternoon spent riding snowmobiles are also one of many favorite reflections. Harry was truely an animal lover who enjoyed the company of wide variety of dogs and cats, especially his buddy "Mel." He enjoyed watching and feeding the squirrels and birds. He was very much a horse enthusiast and had assisted with the Iowa State High School Rodeo for several years when Belmond was the host. Harry was a longtime member of the Belmond Trail Blazers Saddle Club. A favorite adventure was taking his family to the Chuck Wagon Races at the Clay County Fair. Harry was an excellent dancer and a very proficient "two-stepper." He and Jean spent many years together as members of the "Grand Squares" square dancing club in Rowan. Harry was always involved in supporting his children and grandkids many extra-curricular activities whether it was their participation in the 4-H programs, or any of their other involvements. He received great joy in attending many of his children and grandchildren's sporting events and was their Number One cheerleader on the field and in life. Harry was also known to do a little woodworking from time to time.

Harry's wife, Jean passed away in September of 1983. After a period of time he enjoyed the special companionship of Hazel Lester. The two enjoyed each other's company for many years. Harry was a long-time and very active member of the Rowan Lions Club. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and a 61- year member of the Rowan Legion Post No. 159. He was very patriotic and proud of his military service and that of his comrades, a trait which shown through strongly in his participation on the Rowan Military Funeral Unit for 55 years. In the later years of his life, Harry might be seen tooling about town checking up on the happenings of the day, or stopping by to see what family was up to. His daily excursions would surely include a stop for a visit and cup of coffee at Keeling Auto and a possible run for parts. His daily adventures would then include a meal or two followed by his favorite chocolate malt or ice cream at Laurie's Diner. Later in the day, Harry might be found spectating at an athletic event, car race, or keenly following his favorite Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball team on television. Though he was somewhat quiet in his mannerisms, he always seemed ready for a little conversation with those in his presence. His friendly smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and warm hello will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Karen (Harlan) Tulp, of Belmond, and their children, Elizabeth Tulp and special friend (Seth Malek), of Garner, Holden and fiancee, (Tracy Heifner), of Belmond, and Kyle and Heath Tulp, both, of Belmond; Harry's son, Robert (Robin) Hinckley, of Sheffield, and their children, Micah (Marty) Duncan, of Fraser, and McKray Hinckley, of Sheffield; and Harry's son, Thomas (fiancee, Tammy Strand) Hinckley, of Alta, and Tom's children, Brandon, Joshua and Mindy, all of Alta; also one sister, Ardyce Riis, of Hampton; his brother-in-law and wife, Dan and Mary Aldrich, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and many cousins, nieces,and nephews, also his special friend, Hazel Lester, of Fort Collins, Colo. and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean; three sisters, Marie Utz, Ruth Hoke, and Neva Aldrich, a brother, Lyle Hinckley, and an infant brother, Edward Hinckley. Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, IA;

Mason City Globe Gazette, Iowa
6/10/2008