Keith Huinker

Keith Huinker, age 52 of Festina, IA, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2019 at Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, WI after a sudden illness.

     Keith Robert Huinker was born on October 15, 1966 to Robert and Arlene (Ameling) Huinker in West Union, IA.  He attended St. Aloysius Catholic School in Calmar and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1985 (barely).  After graduating, he worked on the family farm and then for Bernie Sadler on his farm.  After hanging up his farm gloves, he decided to give construction work a try, working as a lowboy driver, heavy equipment operator, and eventually Chuck’s right hand man.  Many of his construction years were spent at Reilly Construction, although he was employed by Wiltgen Construction for a short time.  On June 3, 1989, Keith became a loving father to Ashley.  The two of them spent many years enjoying each other.  In 2007, Keith married his “trophy wife”, Wendy Moellers.  Together they built a trophy life.  They had two children: Cooper and Kinley, finally promoting Ashley to big sister.  Keith loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed deer hunting, mushroom hunting, planting way too many plants in the garden, or just wandering around checking things out so he wouldn’t have to tidy anything in his very well “organized” shed.  He had a special talent in designing, creating, and building, which is evident by the cabin in his front yard.  He loved being with his family.  He grew fond of the annual Wisconsin Dells trip, enjoyed “inspecting” things at the Moellers’ Pond, and consumed countless, non-working hours at his family farm where he and Ryan would spend hours brainstorming major projects, sometimes accomplishing lots and other times accomplishing it all verbally.  In August of 2018, Keith met his Can Am- which Cooper says quickly became his “work truck of the woods.”  He would be seen taking it up and down the road and on the snake trail, even in blizzard conditions.  Keith was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, in any way.  His compassion for helping others remained strong even after his last breath, as Keith chose to donate his bones and tissues, helping 50 people to live a better life.  

     Keith is survived by his wife Wendy.  Children: Ashley (Scott Fjelstul) Huinker, Ridgeway, IA; Cooper and Kinley Huinker both at home.  Mother: Arlene Huinker, Calmar, IA.  Siblings:  Dean “Beaver” (Leann) Huinker, Fort Atkinson, IA; Carol (Bruce “Bird dog”) Stanbrough, West Union, IA; Sharon (Dan) Henning, Calmar, IA; Duane (Tammy) Huinker, Bondurant, IA.  Mother-in-law: Kris (Mike Baumgartner) Croatt, Dubuque, IA.  Brother-in-law: Mike (Jamie) Moellers, Ankeny, IA.  Step mother-in-law: Monika Moellers, Castalia, IA.  He was an extraordinary uncle to his niece, nephews, and great nieces.  

    Keith was preceded in death by his father Robert in 2002.  Niece: Krista in 2000.  Great nephew: Clayton in 2011.  Father-in-law: Joe Moellers in 2017.