Gerald "Gerry" William Hiniker

Gerald “Gerry” William Hiniker, age 73, of North Mankato passed away suddenly of a heart attack on July 3, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, North Mankato. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Hosanna Church, Mankato with visitation starting at 10 a.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Livestream of the service will be available at https://boxcast.tv/view/gerald-hiniker-funeral-n7mw23y3u3xja7hnhvnd.

Gerry was born on October 29, 1951, the oldest of seven children, to Chris and Phyllis (Krier) Hiniker. He was a lifelong resident of North Mankato who graduated in 1970 from Mankato High School. He furthered his education by studying culinary arts at Mankato Vocational School. On May 18, 1974, he married the love of his life, Linda Wemette, in Adams, MN.

Gerry dedicated 41 years to the beverage industry, working at Northland Beverage, which later became Pepsi. In semi-retirement, he continued to work for Johnsrud Transport.

Outside of work, Gerry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for vintage automobiles and NASCAR. Over the years, he volunteered for many local organizations and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Above all, he was a proud Navy Dad, and he loved his role as “Grandpa Gerry.” He cherished attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; children, Jared (Carmen), and Sarah (Travis) Miller; grandchildren, Dawson, Camdyn, Brock, and Grady; siblings, Steve (Julie), LuAnn (Kevin Hesse) Hiniker, Al (Brenda), Mary (Joe Butzer) Hiniker; mother-in-law, Patricia Wemette; sister-in-law, Teresa (Nick) Zeimetz; brother-in-law, Larry (Pam) Wemette, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Phyllis Hiniker; sisters, Elaine Hiniker, and Dorothy Hiniker; father-in-law, Harry Wemette, and brother-in-law, Don Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mankato East or West Booster Clubs, or local sport associations: MAYBA, MAGFA, or MAHA.