CARLYN R. HINKELMAN

 Carlyn “Carl” Ray Hinkelman’s life began March 17, 193, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Benton Harbor, graduating from Benton Harbor High School. After high school Carl went to work at Clark Equipment as a computer operator for 31 years. Alongside working for Clark Equipment, he also loved being a farmer.

 While in high school, Carl worked at a grocery store where he met the owner’s daughter, who turned into the love of his life. Carl married Donna Haak on April 16, 1955, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. They enjoyed 70 years together, raising five children and enjoying their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 Outside of work Carl was a member of Welch Grape Co-Op for 60 years. He also enjoyed woodworking, as his workmanship was impeccable, gardening, and working in his yard.

 Carl’s greatest joy was his large loving family he leaves behind to cherish his memory including: the absolute love of his life, wife Donna (Haak) Hinkelman; five children Carlyn (Dallas) Hinkelman Jr., Jon (Diane) Hinkelman, Beth (Rick) Martin, Karen (Randy) Olds, and Jayne (Fred) Cook; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two brothers Gus (Judy) Hinkelman and Rick Malich; and many nieces and nephews.

 Carl died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by two granddaughters Rebecca and Jessica Hinkelman, a sister Leona Mienko, his dad Karl Hinkelman, his mom June Malich, his step-father Mike Malich, and favorite aunt Louise Freier.

 Friends may visit with Carl’s family Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a prayer service recited at 5 p.m., at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Private interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet or Corewell Health Hospice. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Carl’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.