John Frederick Hinnenkamp, husband, father, grandfather, and beloved friend to many, went to be with the Lord early on Monday, July 11th, 2022, at Seton Hospital in Kyle.
John was born in Denver, Colorado, on July 26, 1948. He was the second (after Gerald, or Jerry) son born to Fred and Mary Alma Hinnenkamp. Fred and Mary Alma had two more sons, Mark and Michael (Mike), who survive him.
John attended school in Lockhart, Texas, and at St. Joseph Military Academy. For the rest of his life, John spoke with pride of all schools in Hays, Kansas, which helped shape his life.
John met Deborah Jo (Debbie) Buckner in 1973 at the Lockhart Dairy Queen. They were married for 43 years. In 1989, they were blessed with the birth of daughter Brianna, she married Michael Oliva, and soon, John and Debbie were the proud grandparents of Luca Oliva, who adored his grandfather.
John had many skills. He was a gifted carpenter and outdoorsman. He was a real estate agent, and later proudly wore the badge of Deputy Sheriff for Travis County, Texas. After retiring from the Travis County Sheriff's Department, he served as bailiff for Caldwell County’s District Courts and as security deputy to the Caldwell County Judge.
A lifetime member of the Commemorative Air Force and a licensed pilot, he spent many hours volunteering for that organization. He had adventures of several lifetimes having broken most of the bones in his body, cheated death jumping out of airplanes, flying airplanes, and riding Harleys. He was one heck of a barbeque cook, and along with Debbie, shared countless hours entertaining family and friends. Friday nights at their home were filled with great food, loud peals of laughter, occasional insults, and just a lot of fun.
The two most important things in John’s life were his Christian faith, and an intense love for his family. John was baptized into the Catholic Church and was a devout follower of Christ. John was a charter member of Council 8131, Knights of Columbus, and truly lived the motto of the Texas Knights of Columbus, "Be Not Afraid."
Along with his immediate family, and brothers Mark (and wife Lynda) and Mike, John is survived by nieces Dyanna Hinnenkamp Matthews, Genevieve Hinnenkamp Cardozo, and Jennifer Hinnenkamp Ayres, and nephew Brandon Hinnenkamp. And by hundreds of friends who miss him mightily.
The few words in this obituary do not do John Hinnenkamp justice. He had a heart as big as God’s outdoors. He was a gifted storyteller, He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was interesting, fun, and always willing to extend a helping hand.
God has received this wonderful man into his arms, and Lockhart, Caldwell County, and Earth, our island home, are much the poorer by his passing. Rest in Peace, John. Your earthly travels are over, and your new adventure has begun! Services will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lockhart, TX, at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or The American Association as both were dear to the Hinnenkamp’s hearts.