Donald E. Pinckert

Donald E. Pinckert, 76, residing in Mishawaka, IN; passed away at 3:15 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 2018 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on August 12, 1941 in South Bend, IN; to the late Donald A. & Helen (Merrill) Pinckert, and has remained a lifelong area resident.

On May 5, 1978 in South Bend, Don was united in marriage to Patricia Mae Wise, and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.  Along with his loving wife Pat, he is survived by his daughters, Susan (Lewis) Henderson of Marysville, OH; Tricia (Robert) Connors of New Carlisle, IN; and his sons, Timothy (Marie) Pinckert of Moorsville, IN; and John (Cynthia) Hayden of Mishawaka, IN.  He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Joshua Cassel, Paige Cassel, Emily Pinckert, Brian Pinckert, Connor Henderson, Sarah Henderson, Samantha Hayden, Kyle Hayden, Ashley Meixel, Amy (John) Schieber, Chrissy Meixel, and Matthew Connors, along with eight great-grandchildren, and his sister, Shirley Burger of South Bend.   Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Betty Kendall, and his brother, Robert Pinckert.

He was a graduate of Central High School in South Bend, and the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis.  He was employed with the South Bend Police Dept. as an officer, and later as the Director of Finance, retiring in 2012 following 47 years of faithful service to his community. He was a member of the FOP Lodge 36, where he served as Vice-President and Treasurer. He was also a member of the South Bend Police Pension Board and served as its Secretary for 16 years, a member of St. Joseph Lodge #45, F. & AM., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, and the former Ridgedale Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, and Clerk of the Session for more than 25 years.  Don loved traveling with his wife and family. He went on many motor home vacations and cruises with his family and friends.  He loved watching Notre Dame football, men’s and women’s basketball, and Chicago White Sox, but most of all he loved watching SpongeBob SquarePants.

Services celebrating the life of Don Pinckert will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan St., South Bend, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Don Neely will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, where members of the FOP Lodge #36 will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a masonic memorial service by members of St. Joseph Lodge #45 at 7:15p.m.

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Don Pinckert may be offered to the South Bend FOP Lodge #36, P.O. Box 299, South Bend, IN 46624, or to the Center for Hospice Care, Inc., 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46544.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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