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John Hinkley Obituary
John graduated from UW-Green Bay in 1973 with a degree in Music Education. He taught instrumental music in Hilbert, WI from 1973-1985 and continued his career in Park Falls, WI as the High School band director from 1985-2006. His passion for music and love of students was exemplified through the success of the music programs he developed and maintained in these school districts throughout his career.
John, a loving father and educator, positively affected thousands of students during his teaching career and taught much more than music. He was not only a teacher but also a mentor, motivator, and friend. He encouraged kids to achieve excellence and reach their full potential through hard work, determination and even a little blood, sweat and tears.
John is survived by his dear friend and former wife, Faye Hinkley; his children: Nicole (Michael) Clark of Wausau, Erin (Sedrick Whiting) Hinkley of Orlando, FL, and Christopher Hinkley of Madison. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Hinkley of Portage, his brother, James (Karen Dame) Hinkley of St. Paul, his sister, Jane Richards of Madison, several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Hinkley and his sister, Patricia Hinkley.
A Celebration of his life will be held at Noon at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston on Thursday May 3, 2012. Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Chequamegon Instrumental Music Program in Park Falls, WI or your local school district's instrumental music program.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hinkley
May 3, 2012
Dear Faye and Family,
We were so sorry to hear John passed away. We'll remember John as a great, fun-loving co-worker who loved his music and his bands, and are so happy we got to reminisce with him when he was in Hilbert last June.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Jeff and Kathy Deeley
May 2, 2012
our condolences to the Hinkley family from the Jim Meyers family of Hilbert,Wi. He taught all of our six children their music and we all honore him and knew he was a great teacher! Lisa enjoyed seeing John last fall and shared her meeting with him.
Thank you Mr. Hinkley for making the band room the most comfortable place to be in high school.
Judy (Ocker) Wibel
May 1, 2012
Michelle Taber (Roberts)
May 1, 2012
Mr Hinkley you were one of a kind. Admired by many. I will never forget ALL of the homecoming performances, concerts, small talks, hanging out in the band room during study hall and lunch. Wished we could have met up this last go around when you were here in Fl. we take for granted that there is always next time. I will always cherish the work we did together putting on fundraisers for the band, and establishing the lettering program in the music dept. "Sports have it why don't we." We will meet up someday and have another "small but tasteful affair." Prayers to all those who mourn your passing.
Michelle Wollersheim
May 1, 2012
Mr. Hinkley was one of the greatest! He not only touched our lives with his wonderful teaching talent but was a great person and truly cared about the students he was teaching. He will be missed and never be forgotten! My prayers sent to the Hinkley famiy!
Natalie Schoch
May 1, 2012
There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Hinkley left a mark on many people in our small town of Park Falls. For that, we thank you and because of that he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace!
Sara W.
May 1, 2012
I remember talking to Mr. Hinkley during my senior year of high school, it was one of the only times I ever skipped class but it was worth it because I had never really gotten to talk to him in awhile. The one thing that sticks out from our conversation was when he told me that when I was in 5th grade he saw that "I was smarter than I wanted people to know"; he said "I pushed you because I knew a day like this would come and you would be able to fully appreciate what I did for you". It's true, he saw something in me that I had a tough time seeing and I'm forever greatful that he became my friend and mentor. We will miss him but his teachings and wisdom will go on.
Penny ( Koller ) Bush
May 1, 2012
I was so lucky to have Mr. Hinkley be apart of my life for so many years. I have so many fond memories of band/marching trips, concerts, field shows, and the many practices which included before, during, and after school, and all summer. He made it fun, and there was never a dull moment. That is how wonderfully dedicated he was to us as students and to the band program. Mr. Hinkley, I miss you and I wish I had the chance to tell you about my son Noah who is in his 2nd year of band, and who shares the same passion for music. You will never be forgotten. RIP Mr. Hinkley
May 1, 2012
Dear Faye and family,
Our most sincere sympathy to you and your
family. May God be with you at this sad
time.
Harold &Dorothy Wenzel
May 1, 2012
John was a dedicated, honest and true man. I have excellent memories of him, and raising the bar of his students and programs at Park Falls to a very high level. Thanks John. My best to the family.
Mr. D.
Susan Murray
May 1, 2012
We will all miss John and the excellence that he brought to the Instrumental music program in Park Falls. You have my deepest sympathy and Megan & I will always remember the time in Florida.
May 1, 2012
He was a wonderful teach because he really cared about his students & was so enthusiastic about music that he could't help but pass it on. The world has lost a wonderful man.
Peg Halbach Schwalbach
Hilbert, WI
May 1, 2012
John was a dedicated, honest and true man. I have excellent memories of him, and raising the bar of his students and programs at Park Falls to a very high level. Thanks John. My best to the family.
Mr. D.
jamie pannunzio
May 1, 2012
he was a great man and friend and to include a very nice guy and a wonderful teacher and will be sadly missed. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jody (Lealos) Persinger
April 30, 2012
There are so many wonderful memories that come to mind when I think of Mr. Hinkley. He was one of my most passionate & respected teachers. He taught me that many things can be achieved if you just work hard and put your passion into it. He will never be forgotten.
Carola Buehler
April 30, 2012
Please accept my most heartfelt and deepest sympathy on your loss. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that your beloved one has touched the lives of so many others, and gave them the everlasting gift of music, friendship, and memories. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hinkley. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
ALBERS KATHY
April 30, 2012
How lucky I was to have known John Hinkley. Always kept our friendship thru the years, how special. Glad John thought of Hilbert as his home too. My sympathy to all of us family. Heaven has a very special Music Man.
Kathy Albers
Debi Oswald
April 30, 2012
Faye, Nicole, Erin and Chris,
I have so many wonderful memories of John, so many band trips, so many get togethers.... I loved his intelligence, his wit, his humor. I am so happy to have been his friend, he will be missed. Bless you all.
Wayne Peters
April 30, 2012
Mr Hinkley, and my friend John.
Because of you and your constant pursuit of excellence. I remain in the music buisness today. You were an outstanding friend and teacher. I will miss our conversations together. You truely are my "Mr. Holland." My deepest sympathy to your family. God Bless.
LeeAnn Isham-Her
April 30, 2012
Nicole and family-
Mr. Hinkley was a great man and awesome band director. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time.
Marie Lee
April 30, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Dawn D
April 30, 2012
Mr. Hinkley
Your expertise in music and life put our small community on the map. Thank you for accepting nothing less than the best! May God consider the position of his heavenly band conductor, as filled. :(
Ed Busby
April 30, 2012
John and I shared some interesting conversations and more than a few interesting experiences over the years. I'm going to miss his laugh and his wry sense of humor. I know I speak for a great many when I wish all of you in his family the best as you work through this difficult time.
Binky Lavoie
April 30, 2012
You were a great friend through my high school years...I have nothing but wonderful memories and send my sincere condolences to your family..you will be missed
Jennifer Hoefferle-Lasee
April 30, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Rejoice in the happy memories you built with him throughout his life. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hinkley. You will be missed by so many.
Beth Heer
April 30, 2012
I have all fond memories of Mr. Hinkley. He was a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Tracy Verdev (Kundinger)
April 30, 2012
I just don't have sufficient words. They are so inadequate. I'll just try and share what I've been sharing from the beginning. My heart is aching. :*(
http://youtu.be/zvhrPMJe8LE
April 30, 2012
Dear Faye & family, John will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We have many fond memories of all of you during your years in Hilbert. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Love, Chet & Linda Johnston.
Amy & Pat Simpson
April 30, 2012
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. An amazing man in so many ways.
Pat and Amy Simpson
Barb and John Rolling (Phillips, Wi)
Pat Sherwood
April 30, 2012
Nicole and Family.
Know that my prayers are with you at this time.
Aimee Pressnell
April 30, 2012
Mr. Hinkley, thank you for many memories throughout my band years at Park Falls. You were an outstanding teacher, friend,and great listener. You will be deeply missed. My prayers sent for the Hinkley family.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
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