Janet M. Hinkel

Janet M. (Wenzel) Hinkel, 88, of Sioux City, passed away December 7, 2025 at her residence. Services will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Tom LoVan with a visitation 1 hour prior at Morningside Lutheran Church. Private family burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Janet was born on August 24, 1937 in Lester, IA to Fritz and Edna (Stoltenberg) Wenzel. She grew up in Lester, IA and graduated high school in 1955. She attended Wayne State College to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught in Moorhead, IA and at Head Start in South Sioux City, NE. Janet married Ronald Ray Hinkel on July 19, 1959 in Sioux City. To this union, three children were born – Ronda, Jill and Bill. They were married for 58 years. She worked for Pennsylvania Life Insurance for most of her career.

She loved working with children and attending her kids sporting events, scouts, 4H, and school projects. Janet was strong in her faith and was a member who helped at Morningside Lutheran Church, often in the Sunday school class. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her #1 priority. She boasted about every single one of them and always smiled proudly when she received dandelions from them. Janet loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. She would end every phone conversation saying, “Love you, Bye.”

Those left to honor her memory include her children: Ronda (Chris) Mathewson of Sioux City, Jill Hinkel of Sioux City, and William "Bill" (Nikki) Hinkel of Hinton; grandchildren, Carol (Sean), Cole (Lisa), Katie, Ethan, Skyler (Sadie), Sarah (Tyler), Kayla, Ronda, and Olivia; great grandchildren: Leona, Eleanor, Hope, Nora, Daphne and Octavia; brothers: Wally Wenzel, Bob Wenzel, Chuck Wenzel, and Doug (Joan) Wenzel; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Mumm, Janet Hinkel, and Joyce Hinkel; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; and an infant son; siblings: Don and Dolores; and several siblings-in-law.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Midwest, with special thanks sent to Stefani, Amanda, and Savannah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Morningside Lutheran Church.