Gary Huinker

Gary Joseph Huinker, 71, of Lansing, IA, formerly of Ossian, IA, died peacefully Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at home with Doris by his side. A celebration of life will be held Sun., July 30, at the Festina Parish Center from 4 to 7 p.m. A light meal will be served. Gary was born May 20, 1952, to Louverne and Josephine (Riha) Huinker in Decorah, IA, and raised in rural Fort Atkinson. During his senior year at South Winneshiek high school, he met the love of his life, Doris Kuennen. They were married June 1, 1974, at St. Francis De Sales Church in Ossian, IA. Gary retired from Deco Products in Decorah in 2018, and he and Doris moved to Lansing to be closer to the Mississippi river which was such a big part of their lives. Although they closed the Wagon Wheel in Ossian in 1999, many will fondly remember Gary in the kitchen making delicious Al’s Famous Chicken and behind the bar shooting the breeze. Along with hunting and fishing, Gary enjoyed playing cards, grilling, and camping. Gary is survived by his wife, Doris; siblings Steve Huinker, Jody (Jerry) Winters, and Vernelle (Terry) Throndson; in-laws Bruce (Melissa) Kuennen, Jackie Kuennen, Bill (Jane) Kuennen, Tom (Lois) Kuennen, Patty (Keith) Frana, Lori (Mike) Lechtenberg, Julie Anderson, and Jane (Chris) Meronuck; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Gary was also preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Al and Shirley Kuennen; sisters-in-law Lynn Kuennen and Skip Huinker; and brothers-in-law Don Kuennen and LaVerne Anderson.