Frank Winston 'Winnie' Hunkins

Dec. 19, 1922-June 7, 2010

STRATTON, Nebraska -- Frank Winston "Winnie" Hunkins, 87, died Monday (June 7, 2010) at his home in Stratton.

He was born Dec. 19, 1922 in the family home to Perry O. and Minnie I. (Losey) Hunkins and attended Stratton schools.

He began his lifelong career of farming at an early age, farming most all of his life until his health forced him to retire. During the years there were hail storms and dry parched conditions that raised nothing. Then there were those years that brought about bumper crops, and like most farmers he rolled with the punches embracing each year as another chance to raise a crop and make life on the farm a little easier.

Anyone who knew him also knew of his love of fishing. He was a well-known fixture around Swanson Lake, and was seldom more than a few steps away from a fishing pole.

Throughout his life he enjoyed countless fishing trips to area lakes, North and South Dakota, and Colorado; very seldom would he or the rest of the fishing party come home with empty stringers.

Even though he had no children of his own, he was very family oriented. He loved spending time with his nephews, and later their children. Family gatherings were always an invitation for food and fun, and outings at the lake spawned memories and fish tales that have stood the test of time.

In addition to his own family, he also enjoyed kids of all ages and was a good sport, being game for almost anything the kids would come up with.

When he wasn't busy with farming or fishing, he could always be found at Farmer's Co-Op checking on the wheat prices, or visiting with friends and neighbors.

His passing will be felt by not only his family, but by his many friends and neighbors.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Perry and Minnie Hunkins; brother, Clyde Hunkins; sister-in-law, Arletta Hunkins; great-niece, Jennifer Hunkins; two great-nephews, Jason and Jeremy; and great-great niece, Cassandra.

Survivors include his nephews, Kenny Hunkins of Lincoln, Nebraska, Gary Hunkins and wife, Jeanne of Trenton, Nebraska, Donald Hunkins and wife, Linda of Trenton, David Hunkins and wife, Maria of Lincoln, Nebraska, and James Hunkins, of Lincoln; numerous great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service to honor his life will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Christian Union Church in Stratton with the Rev. Kevin Fink officiating. Services will conclude at the church.

There will be no visitation or viewing. The family will gather for a private interment at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton is in charge of arrangements.