Lori Huinker

Dolores “Lori” Huinker, age 91, of Festina, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at her home outside of Festina, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, IA with Rev. Robert Gross presiding. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa and also after 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning at the church. Old Mill Floral in West Union, IA is handling the floral arrangements for the family. 563-422-5729 Dolores “Lori” (Kuennen) Huinker was born on October 4, 1930 the daughter of Clem and Mathilda (Croatt) Kuennen on the family farm outside of St Lucas, IA. She attended St. Luke’s Catholic School. After finishing school, Lori helped work on the farm with her family. She loved Polka music and dancing so it was fitting that she met her husband, Linus Huinker, at a dance at the Inwood in Spillville. They married on June 7, 1949 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. Together they had five children: Gary, Dean, Larry, Mary and Darren. She and Linus farmed together on their farm near Festina while raising their children. Early in their marriage Lori enjoyed traveling to local towns watching Linus, his brothers and friends play baseball. Lori also enjoyed playing ball herself. Playing third base on a women’s fast pitch team, then pitching for a women’s slow pitch team at Silver Springs in Ossian. She worked at Phil’s Café (Warrior Inn) in Calmar, Cathy’s Mini Mart in Ossian for 15 years and was also a receptionist at South Winn Insurance for 30 years. Throughout their lives, she and Linus loved traveling to Polka dances and Polka Fests. They also enjoyed many card parties with neighbors and friends and bowling in a couple’s league. Lori helped as a Co-leader for the local 4-H club. After Linus passed, Lori kept busy bowling in a women’s league, playing bingo and taking bus trips hosted by Jim and Mary Lou Busta to see Molly B perform. She enjoyed going to local casinos with Jim, Donna, Mary Jo and Alyce. Lori was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church for 72 years and served as a lector, sang in the choir and belonged to the rosary society. Lori also spent many years and put on many miles supporting her family at their sporting events. Lori is survived by her children. Gary (Joanne) Huinker, Calmar, IA; Larry (Marianne) Huinker, Calmar, IA; Mary (Tom) McEnaney, Calmar, IA; Darren (Janel) Huinker, Altoona, IA. Grandchildren: Cory (Michele) Huinker, Lisa (Devin) Kelly, Angie (Justin) Einck, Stephanie McEnaney, Payton (Ashley) Huinker, Jacey (Drew) Guebert and Logan Huinker. Great grandchildren: Cody and Megan Huinker; Tristan Kelly; Cameron, Colton and Sutton Einck; Avery and Ryann Huinker. Brother: Jerry (Margaret) Kuennen. Sisters: Della Mitchell and Arlene (Frank) Wilusz. Sisters-in-law: MaryJo Kuennen, Donna Kuennen and Ann Huinker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Linus Huinker in 1983. Son: Dean Huinker in infancy. Parents: Clem and Mathilda (Croatt) Kuennen. Brothers: Clarence (Geneva) Kuennen, Leon Kuennen, and James Kuennen. Sisters: Edna (Cyril) Holthaus and Ruth (Gerald) Oyloe. Father and mother-in-law: Leo and Mathilda (Einck) Huinker. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Shirley (Al) Kuennen, Irene (Art) Bruess, Kenny (Aileen) Huinker, Art Huinker and Ralph Imoehl.