Leo E. Pinke

Leo Erwin Pinke, 80, of Hastings, MN, passed away on October 12, 2024, at Regina Transitional Care Center.

Leo was born on July 7, 1944, in Hastings, MN, at Latto Hospital, to Mildred F. (Rentz) and Erwin G. Pinke. He was a graduate of Hastings High School, class of 1962, and furthered his education by earning a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker from the State of MN on August 3, 1971. Leo dedicated many years of service as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring from Smead Manufacturing. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, honoring his country as a veteran.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lois Marie (Pinke) Ladwig; and his nieces.

He is survived by his nieces, Cheri Ladwig and Laurie Brommenshenkel.

Leo enjoyed photography, ham radio, and music. He cherished time spent working in his machine shop and loved traveling, with Germany being a favorite destination, where he enjoyed speaking the language fluently.

A funeral service to celebrate Leo's life will be held at 2:00 PM on October 22, 2024, at Hope Lutheran Church LCMS, located at 16898 Michael Ave, Hastings, MN 55033. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Following the service, burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, 920 Nininger Rd, Hastings, MN. Starkson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leo was a big guy with a gentle soul.