Victor Pinckney

Victor Pinckney, age 80 of Decorah, IA, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025, at WinnMed in Decorah, IA, surrounded by family.

A Private service will be held at St. Bridget’s Church in Bluffton, IA, burial following with military honors at the cemetery.

A Celebration of life will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the All Vets Club, 104 State Street, Decorah, IA, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a charitable donation to the organization of your choice.

Victor "Vic" Donald Pinckney was born on June 29, 1944, to Leslie and Vivian (Forbord) Pinckney in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended various schools throughout Minnesota and graduated from West High School in Waterloo, Iowa in 1962. He began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Waterloo shortly after graduation.

He was drafted in 1965 into the US Army, where he served two years in Vietnam in the 1st Calvary as a helicopter gunner. After an honorable discharge, he returned to work for the telephone company, and on February 11, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart Peggy Smith at Blessed Sacrament in Waterloo, Iowa.

In 1974, Vic and Peggy relocated with the telephone company to Decorah, Iowa, where he continued to work as regional manager until his retirement in 1990. For the next thirty years, they owned and operated Sundance Travel, which allowed them the opportunity to lead group trips all over the world.

Some of Vic's favorite memories included growing up on his family's resort on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota, owning the Miss McGregor barge restaurant on the Mississippi, get-togethers at their party barn and the countless car shows and car cruises with great friends.

He served on the board of Trustees for the Decorah Elks Lodge B. P. O. # 443, and was instrumental in establishing the Elks Charitable Foundation, whose mission was to meet the needs of foster children, along with other community needs. In addition, he was the co-founder of the Cops and Rodders car show, supporting the Decorah police department and K-9 program.

He is survived by his wife Peggy, his brothers, Dr. Thomas Pinckney of Des Moines, IA, Timothy (Susie) Pinckney of Adel, IA, and half-brother, David (Sandy) Pinckney of Newbury Park, CA. His sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Gene) Cunningham of Wellsburg, IA and Pat (Dick) Horne of Spillville, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Peggy's parents, Alfred (Doris) Smith, his sister Pamela Cole, his brother Terry Pinckney and his brother-in-law James Smith.

Vic will forever be remembered for his kindness and his love of life.