Carl George Hinkelman

1945 - 2023

Carl George Hinkelman of Grant Township, a former 20-year resident of Madison Heights, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and hospice on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, age 78 years.
Carl was born in Royal Oak on Feb. 27, 1945 to the late Edward and Opha (Winchell) Hinkelman. He graduated from Madison Heights High School and soon after was drafted by the United States Army in 1965 and proudly served our country for two years, one of which in Vietnam.
During Carl's service in the Army, he earned the honorable recommendations of pistol sharpshooter and expert rifle. Carl was honorably discharged from his military service in 1967 and returned home to Michigan, moving to Grant Township and remained a proud member of the Sand Lake Community until his passing.
He held several jobs including carpenter and snowmobile maintenance. In 1976 he was hired by Grant Township which he worked for 30 years primarily as a maintenance supervisor. In 2007, Carl was finally able to step away from his working career and begin to enjoy his well-deserved retirement years!
Seemingly always keeping himself busy, Carl really enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially in his garden. He also enjoyed target shooting, antiquing, woodworking, and painting. He was a member of the NRA. Carl's bright smile and strong legacy will forever live within the hearts and minds of his family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Opha; and siblings, Alton, Reha, Raymond (Bud), Alice and Tom.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Nancy Hinkelman, to whom he married on June 14, 1969. Together the couple has celebrated 54 years!
Carl is also survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer (Brian) Clark of Wyoming, Mich. He had many nieces and nephews and extended family. Carl shared a special bond with Tim Hinkelman, Larry Smith, Connie New, Roy and Paul Hinkelman, Linda Kryza, Duane Smith, Chad Kelley, Dawn Apley, Fred Lathrop, Pam Pierson, Connie Basso, Brenda, David and Troy Lathrop; additionally grandnieces and nephews, Autumn Moses, Samantha Lathrop, Richie and Gentry Basso and family friends, Bill, Peggy, and Mac Blackmore; J and Deb Jarvis, Megan, Skyler and Logan Meier, and Rebecca, Joe, Katherine and Nicholas Boczar.
Per Carl's wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will celebrate his life through a memorial service with military honors presented by the Tawas Area Honor Guard on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Sand Lake Community Building, 4059 Indian Lake Road, National City. His family will welcome friends for a time of gathering beginning at 2 p.m.
Those wishing to express their condolences through a memorial donation, are encouraged to direct them to the family. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for Carl's family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.