Person:John Tinker (11)

John “Jack” Tinker, 83,of Manchester, died Thursday, September 4, 2014, at his residence. Jack was born in Greeley, on March 13, 1931, the son of Edward and Margaret (Wiley) Tinker. He graduated from Greeley High School with the class of 1948. Jack farmed with his dad until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served his country honorably during the Korean War from July 10, 1952 to June 17, 1954, earning the rank of corporal.

When Jack returned from the service, he continued to farm with his dad near Greeley. On May 2, 1957, Jack was united in marriage to Gladys Manternach, in the St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. They farmed together for over 55 years and moved to Manchester in 2013. Jack loved farming and enjoyed going on many trail rides with his friends.

Jack served on many boards over the years. He was a member of the Regional Medical Center Board for 16 years and was a 4-H leader for 15 years. Jack served on the County boards for the following organizations: Cattleman’s Association, Pork Producers Association, Dairy Council, and Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Jack was also on the Boards for the Greeley Commercial Club, Seeds of Hope, and St. Paul’s School of Religion. He was also the past commander of the Greeley American Legion. Jack was a former member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and currently was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Upon completion of his service to his country, Jack was told by his commanding officer that he possessed the ability to attend any college he would choose. Jack wanted to become a veterinarian, but did not have the opportunity to attend college. However, he was proud to watch his six children as they obtained 3 Associate Degrees, 6 Bachelor Degrees, 3 Master Degrees, and 1 Doctorate Degree.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Gladys Tinker; five children, Sharon Tinker of Houston, Texas, Gene Tinker of Edgewood, Randy Tinker of Des Moines, Dennis (Susan) Tinker of Johnston, and Phyllis Tinker of Ankeny; five grandchildren, Logan, Spencer, Peyton, Jacob, and Ben Tinker; one sister, Mary Ellen Capesius of Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Larry Tinker; his brothers, Philip, Francis (Shirley), Joseph and Thomas; and a brother-in-law, Robert Capesius.