Person:Mary Lestina (3)

From the December 19, 1935, edition of the Monona (IA) Leader

Mrs. Mary Tinker

Mrs. Mary Tinker died at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Mike Whittle December 8th, aged 85 years, 3 months and 23 days. The cause of death was mostly due to the infirmities of old age. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Lestina. She was born in Zvikov, Bohemia, on August 15, 1850. The family came to this country in 1869, settling on a farm in Clayton County. February 22 [1879], she was united in marriage to Mr. Joseph Tinker, Civil war veteran. Mr. and Mrs. Tinker made their home on a farm in Cox Creek Township. Her husband died in 1891. To this union, seven children were born. In 1907, Mrs. Tinker went to Monona to live. In 1929, Mrs. Tinker went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Mike Whittle. Mrs. Tinker was a respected and a home-loving mother.

Surviving children are: Mrs. Barney Olinger, Chamberlain, S. Dak.; Mrs. Rose Olinger, John W. Tinker, Strawberry Point; Mrs. Mike Whittle, Monona. Also two brothers, Albert Lestina, Monona, and Tom Lestina, Madison, Nebr. Jacob, Frank and Joseph Jr. preceded her in death.

Mrs. Tinker was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and died fortified with the last rites of that religion. For many years she was a faithful member of the Rosary society. Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Church at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning with Rev. Luke Donlon officiating. Burial was made in the Catholic cemetery in Cox Creek. Rev. P.J. Boyle of Strawberry Point said the prayers at the grave. Casket bearers were her eight grandsons: Lloyd Tinker, Clarence Tinker, Paul Olinger, Leon Olinger, Donald Tinker, Barney Whittle, Wyman Whittle.

Mrs. Tinker leaves to mourn 24 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Relatives and friends who attended the funeral from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Barney Olinger, Mrs. Julius Randall, Raymond Priebe, Chamberlain, S. Dak.; Mr. and Mrs. John Tinker, Mrs. Rose Olinger, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Tinker, Paul Olinger, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Olinger and daughters, Mrs. Clara Dittmer, Strawberry Point; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tinker, Greeley; Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Tinker and daughter, Dubuque; Mrs. Edward Ryan, Lloyd Tinker, Clarence Tinker, Minneapolis; Mrs. Rose Bohonek, Mrs. John Bohonek, Prairie du Chien.