Alfred Hinnenkamp

Alfred D. "Al" Hinnenkamp, age 81 of Melrose died Friday, December 5, 2003 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 9 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Rev. Vincent Lieser will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 to 11 a.m. at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. St. Bernard's Catholic Aid Society and the Knights of Columbus, Council #1633 will pray at 6 p.m. followed by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard at 7 p.m. and parish prayers at 8 p.m.

Al Hinnenkamp was born on March 7, 1922 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph F. and Elizabeth (Dickhaus) Hinnenkamp. He was united in marriage to Marcella Kortenbusch on June 4, 1951 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. After serving during WWII in the South Pacific, Al owned and operated Al's Dray Line. After retiring, he was a custodian at the Melrose School District and caretaker of the skating rink. After complications of several strokes he became a resident of Pine Villa Care Center for 18 months. Al was a loyal fan of local sports. He enjoyed league bowling for 50 years and tours thru the country in his pick-up. He loved all children and was especially fond of his two granddaughters. Al was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, American Legion Post 101, Knights of Columbus, Council #1633 and a past member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a life member of Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 where he was a past Commander, drill team member for 50 years and held various department and district offices. He was a 50 year member of St. Bernard's Catholic Aid Society and for 30 years the Recording Secretary. Al was a member of the Melrose Lions where he was a Charter Member, Past President, and recipient of the Helen Keller Sight Award and the Melvin Jones Award.

Survivors include his wife, Marcella "Sally" Hinnenkamp of Melrose; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Dale Nietfeld of Lakeville; two granddaughters, Rena and Hannah Nietfeld; sisters and brothers, Celestine "Sally" Hinnenkamp of Melrose, Elmer Hinnenkamp and his wife, Rose of Melrose, Viola Frieler of Melrose, and Luverne Hinnenkamp and his wife, Jeannie of Melrose.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Hinnenkamp; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Frieler.

Serving as casket bearers will be Tim Bautch, Marvin Hinnenkamp, Kenny Hinnenkamp, Steve Frieler, Florian Blenker, and Charles Jacobs. Serving as cross bearer will be Olivia Hinnenkamp and Christa Heinen will be the scripture bearer. Honorary bearers will be the Melrose Lions and St. Bernard's Catholic Aid Society.