Frank James "Jim" Cinkle

FRANK JAMES 'JIM' CINKLE was born on August 23, 1927 to F.J. and Estelle (Wood) Cinkle in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was confirmed by Reverend Solberg and joined the Lutheran Church in May 1951. Jim served his country in the United States Army beginning in January 1946 until his honorable discharge in August 1947. Upon his return Jim came to work at the First National Bank of Luverne, Minnesota. Jim was united in marriage to Ellen Pierson in October of 1950 and the couple had two children, David and Jeanne. In 1960, they moved their family to Alexandria, Minnesota where he spent 5 years working at First National Bank. The couple then moved back to Luverne, where Jim worked his way up to become the Vice President of the First National Bank until his retirement in 1987. Jim served as a licensed appraiser from 1995-2009. In October 2011, Jim and Ellen moved to Keystone Apartments in Prior Lake, Minnesota to be closer to family. On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Jim passed away peacefully at their home at the age of 87 years and 18 days.

Jim was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, where he had served as president of the congregation for two years. He served as treasurer for the Rock County Fair Board, was a member of the Luverne Rotary Club and a charter member of the Luverne Jaycees. Jim was an avid golfer, playing in league and weekend foursomes. He was also an avid card player, especially bridge. He enjoyed working with wood and made several grandfather clocks for friends and family. Mostly, Jim was a family man. He enjoyed visiting with the children and playing cards with them.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ellen; two children, David and his wife, Kathy Cinkle of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Dr. Jeanne and her husband, Michael Wittrock of Prior Lake, Minnesota; two grandsons, Mike and his wife Delmy Wittrock and Steve Wittrock; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Bella Wittrock.