Dennis Hinkebein

Dennis Hinkebein, 54, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at St. Louis University Hospital. He courageously fought a short-term battle with aggressive pancreatic cancer.

He was born Dec. 16, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, to Ennis W. and Dorothy Sperling Hinkebein. He and Diane Heisserer were married Jan. 8, 1991, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Dennis was a 1974 graduate of Jackson High School. His first job was working in residential construction for Kenny Seabaugh. In the late 1970s he began working at Procter & Gamble, where he was a maintenance team coordinator in the warehouse. With 25 years of service, he retired in May 2002. In the 1990s, Dennis opened a deer sausage business known as Hinks' Sausage Shop, where many hours of fun-filled activities took place.

He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson and was a 3rd Degree knight in Bishop Timon Knights of Columbus Council 6405 in Jackson. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Cape Girardeau and especially enjoyed participating in the club's shooting matches.

Dennis was completely devoted to his family and always attended their activities. He was particularly active in the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his wife of 19 years, Diane of Jackson; four children, Eric (Renee) Hinkebein and their children Cameron and Preston of Jackson; Christy (Troy) Littlepage and their children Alexys and Dalyn of Scott City, Lyndsey and Landon of the home; his mother, Dorothy Hinkebein of Jackson; a brother, Ennis William (Janell) Hinkebein II of Jackson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ennis W. Hinkebein, in 1985.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson. An Elks service will be at 6:30 p.m. today, followed by parish prayers and the rosary led by the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will resume Thursday morning at the church, immediately following the regularly scheduled 8 a.m. Mass.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. John Harth officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Karlios Hinkebein, Chuck Haupt, Glenn Ehlers, Elmer Kieninger, Tom Dickerson and Tim Sievers.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship or the church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.