Dale R. Hinkle

Dale R. Hinkle, 74, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Golden Living Center in Cozad, Nebraska. He was born August 31, 1939, in Trenton, Nebraska to Alf and Kela (Hager) Hinkle. He grew up in Trenton, but moved to Arapahoe with his family as a young man. He finished his school in the Arapahoe school system. In 1962, he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving until his honorable discharge on November 30, 1968. Dale was united in marriage to LaVonne Pflaster on August 9, 1962, in Lexngton, Nebraska. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Rodney, Deborah, Jeffrey and Robert. The family settled in Lexington in 1967. During Dale’s working years he worked for the Lexington Public Schools in maintenance, was a plumber for Service Supply and owned and operated his own plumbing business, Dale’s Plumbing. He also worked for Burr Tire & Tread. In 1998, the couple moved to Oconto where Dale worked for the Village of Oconto and farmed for Darrel Johnson. Dale was a known as a “Jack of all Trades”. He loved working on and restoring old tractors, John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed fishing, western movies, playing cards and working cattle. Dale had a heart of gold, a twinkle in his eye and never knew a stranger. He had a strong love for his family and will forever live on in their hearts. He was a member of the Oconto American Legion Post #250. Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years; LaVonne Hinkle of Lexington, Nebraska; three sons; Rodney Hinkle of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Jeffrey Hinkle of Lexington, Nebraska; and, Robert Hinkle and fiancé Jana Hergenrader of Papillion, Nebraska; one daughter; Deborah and husband Robert Ditson of Overton, Nebraska; five grandchildren; Brandon and Tyler Hinkle of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Lane Ditson of Overton, Nebraska; Kylie Hinkle of Creston, Iowa; and, Avery Hinkle of Papillion, Nebraska; one great-grandson is on the way; two brothers; Wilbur Hinkle of Medford, Oregon and Gale Hinkle of Lebanon, Oregon; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Richard Coffee and sister-in-law, Marie Hinkle. The family has honored Dale’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 19, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oconto Community Center in Oconto, Nebraska with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah officiating. Military Honors will be conducted at the Community Center following the service by Oconto American Legion Post #250. Memorials are suggested to the Oconto American Legion. Inurnment will take place at a later time. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.