Kenneth J. Hinkel, age 92, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at his home with his 3 daughters by his side.  To celebrate Ken’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Behr Funeral Home.  There will be a parish scripture service held at 3:45 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Columbkille Church, 1240 Rush Street, with Rev. Dennis Quint.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Ken was born on December 21, 1933, in Specht’s Ferry, Iowa, the son of Paul and Margaret (Pillard) Hinkel.

Ken honorably served his country with the US Army from 1956-1958.  He married Mary Berberich on June 27, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.  They were happily married for 53 years before Mary passed away on February 11, 2018.  Ken was employed in assembly at John Deere Dubuque Works for 31 years and after that went to work for DuMed for another 5 years before officially retiring.  His faith and community were both very important to Ken.  He was a long time member of St. Columbkille Church, where he served as an usher for several years.  He volunteered at the Dubuque Rescue Mission for 21 years and then went to St.Vincent de Paul. He volunteered with the Washington Tool Library and for 3-4 years at the Grand Theater. Ken was a member of UAW Local 94 retirees.  To say he was always on the go would be an understatement.  Ken loved his family and was a devoted husband and father.  He will be greatly missed.

Ken enjoyed watching sports, especially the Cubs and the Indiana Fever.  He was always a “Fix It” guy which was why he enjoyed his job at St. Vincent De Paul in the repair department.  He could always tell “if something was a little off.” Ken liked playing cards at the UAW hall after the meetings.

Those left to cherish Ken’s memory include

his 3 daughters,
Barbara Hinkel,
Karen (Brian Besler) Hinkel
and Deborah (Michael) Boland, all of Dubuque, IA.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Hinkel; a son, John Joseph Hinkel; and his siblings, Helen (Frank) Hinkel, Delores (Lloyd)  Ouderkirk, Earl (Ruth) Hilken and Ervin (Jean) Hufnagel.

Ken’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and compassionate care.

Cards and memorials in Ken’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Ken Hinkel Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com