Mardell Tinkey (Franklin)
Mardell Tinkey (Franklin)
Spring Park, MN
At the age of 87, Mardell has taken her last trip, straight to Heaven. Born July 7, 1937 on the farm in Keystone, Iowa, and died November 1, 2024 in Spring Park, Minnesota.
Mardell met the love of her life, Jim Franklin, at a dance in Keystone when she was 18 years old, leading her to cancel her cross-country tour with an accordion ensemble. Nothing was going to keep her away from Jim. Married soon after that, they moved to Cedar Rapids and began their life together. She taught accordion at a music school while raising their three children and supporting Jim in his land-surveying business. She instilled the love of music with her children and strongly encouraged that they too would play accordion and other instruments the rest of their lives. Sadly, Jim died suddenly in 1977 and Mardell had to start over. She met and married Del Tinkey in 1981. They shared the love of dancing and traveled the world together while also creating special family memories and traditions for the children and grandchildren. Mardell was active in the PEO sisterhood, sold real estate, was an avid card player, hosted perfect gatherings, loved happy hour and was a wannabe golfer. Known for her sense of humor and lively spirit, Mardell faced life’s challenges with the help of her strong faith.
Mardell is survived by sister Darlene Eckert, children Cary Franklin, Cal Franklin (Kim), Candy Ahern (Tom), and Del’s children: Byron (Jody), Lon (Cathy), Bret (Karen), Duane (Wendy). Mardell will be dearly missed by her 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and countless loving friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Herman and Minnie Reinberg, brother Wally Reinberg, husbands Jim Franklin and Del Tinkey and many cherished family and friends.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Lake Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, MN for their compassionate, patient and loving care of Mardell.
Given Mardell’s love of reading and feeling that books are essential for all children, memorials preferred to the Coralville Library in Coralville, Iowa.
A celebration of Mardell’s life will be held in the chapel at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 23 at 11:00 am with a light lunch to follow. Burial next to Jim at 1:00 pm.
