Robert William "Bob" Hinker, 86, Whitewood, died Sunday, March 11, 2012, at his residence.

Visitation will be 3:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. A rosary will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Fr. Arnold Kari officiating. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Bob was born February 14, 1926, at Carson, ND, to Edward and Lena (Watznauer) Hinker. He grew up on the family ranch south of Watauga where he attended country school. He worked on the family ranch until he joined the United States Navy. He served on the USS Alaska and was honorably discharged before returning to the family ranch.

Bob married Cecilia Waldecker on February 5, 1947, in Lemmon, SD. They moved to Highwood, MT, where Bob worked as a track layer for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. They moved to Spearfish and Bob worked in the timber for Homestake. Following a layoff, he joined a general contractor and built homes in the Spearfish area. He went to work for Lampert Lumber Spearfish in the early 50s. Bob transferred to Newell and worked there for about a year. In 1955 he transferred to Deadwood as manager of the local Lampert store. They lived in Deadwood for 20 years then built a house near Deer Mountain and lived there for about 5 years. They built a house near Bear Butte and lived there for over 20 years.

Bob built homes for Lampert Lumber Company until the mid 1970's when he went to work as a plumber. He worked for Ellsworth Air Force Base in Civil Service as a plumber until his retirement in the mid 1990's.

Bob loved to grow things. He enjoyed his trees and gardens. He also liked to build things including furniture. He was very active in his church.

Survivors include his wife, Cecilia Hinker, Sturgis; sons, Tim (Sue) Hinker, Rapid City, and Jerry (Theresa) Hinker, Sturgis; daughter, Jeanette Kuntz, Nevada; sisters, Leonora Murray, Fargo, ND, Betty Soebing, Watauga, SD, Sister Margaret Hinker OSB, and Sister Teresa Hinker OSB, both of Rapid City; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, Joe, and Herb; and two sisters, Marie and Evelyn.

A memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder