Gilbert Hinkelman

Gilbert Hinkelman 78 of Groton passed away surrounded by his immediate family on Sunday October 15, 2017 at his home near Groton. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, October 19, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Groton, Rev. Craig Grams officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen. Visitation will be in the church at Groton on Wednesday 5-7 P.M. ending with a 7 P.M. Prayer Service. Gilbert Herbert Hinkelman was born on June 30, 1939 at Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Groton, South Dakota. He attended school in Groton and graduated from Groton High School in 1958. After graduation he remained at home helping on the family farm. In 1962, he moved to Beecher, Illinois where he worked at Allis Chalmers Equipment, on the assembly line building engines. In 1963, he was drafted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany where he faithfully served. He was honorably discharged in 1965. After discharge, he continued to live in Beecher where he met the love of his life, Rochelle. On October 29, 1966, he was united in marriage to Rochelle Bakhaus at Zion Lutheran Church in Beecher. To this union two sons were born, Delbert and Elvis. In January of 1969, the couple moved to Groton where Gilbert took over the Hinkelman farming operation. He continued to help out on the farm until present time as his health would allow him. Gilbert had a great love for his country and was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post #39. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Groton where he was an elder and served as an usher. He was also a member of the James Valley 2 Cylinder Club. Gilbert had a great passion for music. He was a talented musician playing the accordion, harmonica, concertina, the keyboard and polka dancing. He enjoyed visiting over a cup of coffee with his many friends. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family. His only grandson, Preston was the apple of his eye! He would often be seen with his sidekick, Preston! Gilbert passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017 surrounded by his immediate family at his home near Groton, South Dakota at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 15 days. He will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife Rochelle, one son Delbert (Anje) Hinkelman and one grandson Preston Dean Hinkelman all of Groton, SD, and one sister Matilda (Dave) Hemme of Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Elvis Hinkelman.