James Hinkeldey

A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of James Hinkeldey, age 60, of rural Windom, will be held Tuesday, June 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield.

A visitation for James will be held on Monday, June 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church in rural Lakefield for one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

James Walter Hinkeldey was born on January 19, 1965, to Willis and Sharon (Preuss) Hinkeldey at the Lakefield Hospital in Lakefield, Minnesota, and he spent his entire life in the area he called home. He was a lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. James attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Lakefield and later graduated from Lakefield High School in the class of 1983.

James was a dedicated dairy farmer, working the land and caring for his herd with pride and purpose. Farming wasn’t just his occupation—it was his way of life. Throughout his life, James remained deeply involved in the agricultural community. He was active in 4-H and FFA during his youth and later served on the Dairy Herd Improvement Board and was a member of the American Dairy Association, always looking for ways to improve the industry and help fellow farmers.

Beyond the farm, James had a passion for Sprint Car racing and sporting events, spending many evenings at the track as a fan and friend to many in the racing community. He also gave his time to St. Peter Lutheran Church’s youth group, where he enjoyed playing softball.

On March 25, 1995, James was united in marriage to Angela Sue (Meyer) Hinkeldey at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Above all, James was a devoted husband and father to his three sons, Marcus, Ryan and Nathan. He supported their activities and taught them the value of hard work.

On Monday, June 16, 2025, James died unexpectedly at his home in rural Windom, MN.

He is survived by his wife, Angela Hinkeldey of rural Windom; three sons, Marcus, Ryan, and Nathan (Julia Schmoker) Hinkeldey of rural Windom; parents, Willis and Sharon Hinkeldey of rural Windom; siblings, Vicki (Jeff) Thiner of Lakefield, Timothy (Julianne) Hinkeldey of Windom, Jeffrey (Sheryl) Hinkeldey of Windom, Jonathan (Patty) Hinkeldey of Heron Lake, and Sarah (Todd) Thompson of Windom; mother-in-law, Pat Cole of Jackson; and many extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will remember his steady presence and strong character.

James was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Junior Cole; grandparents, Walter & Elsie Preuss and John & Anita Hinkeldey; and niece, Alissa Ann Hinkeldey.

James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.