Gordon A. Trinkner

Gordon A. Trinkner, 87, De Pere, passed away Friday morning, February 15, 2013. The son of the late Raymond and Marie (Cornelissen) Trinkner was born February 7, 1926 in Bellevue. Gordon married Bernice Van Den Heuvel on August 24, 1949 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Oneida. Gordon worked at Progressive Farmers Coop in De Pere for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish where he was a Eucharistic minister in church and also to homebound parish members and nursing home residents. Gordon served his country during World War II in the 63rd infantry division on the front line and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was later a personal bodyguard and chauffeur for General Eisenhower at Bad Homburg until his discharge. Gordon was a member of the De Pere VFW Post 2113, Knights of Columbus Council 3955 of De Pere, and the DAV. Gordon enjoyed flying model airplanes, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He collected antique guns, and restored old cars and trucks. He and Bernice served “Meals on Wheels”. Gordon loved playing games on Sunday afternoon with the family. Survivors include his wife, Bernice; their children: Wayne (Debbie) Trinkner, Gary (Patty) Trinkner, Judy (Jupe) Mooren, Gerard (Diane) Trinkner, Patti (Bob) Smith, Lynne (Steve) Smet, Mike (Sharon) Trinkner, Debbie (Tom) Ambrosius; 17 grandchildren, 14 great grand-children; sisters: Mary Quade, Ellie Zirbel; brother: Ken (Marlyn) Trinkner; and sister-in-law, Dottie Trinkner. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; special sister, Dorothy Mae; brother, Dick Trinkner; brothers-in-law: Irvin (Johanna) Van Den Heuvel, Raymond Van Den Heuvel, Charles Quade; and sisters-in-law: Ethel (Joe) Mooren and Marlene (Albert) Kocken. Friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave. De Pere, from 4 to 8 PM, Sunday, February 17, 2013. The Knights of Columbus Council 3955 will conduct a special service at 7:15 PM, followed by the Parish prayer service at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday, Feb. 18th, from 9 to 10 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 Michigan St. De Pere. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the church on Monday at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating followed by full military veteran honors conducted by the U.S. Army and VFW post 2113. Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Oneida. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Gordon’s family expresses their thanks to the staff at Parkview Manor for their exceptional care, and especially to his favorite nurse, Patti, for her endearing care.