Delmer "Del" Pinke

delmer
Delmer “Del” D. Pinke, Fargo, N.D. passed away March 9, 2020 at Essentia Health, Fargo, N.D. with his loving family by his side. Del was born in Jamestown N.D. on October 16, 1946 to Elmer and Leona (Loebs) Pinke of Marion, N.D. He grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1964. He was active in sports, band, and choir throughout his school years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school graduation. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Norfolk, VA Air Naval Station with Air Squadron VR22 and Moffit Field Air Station in Sunnyvale, CA. In 1966, he served his country in Qui Nhon, Vietnam and was honorably discharged after three years of service. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended Valley City State College graduating in 1972 with B.S. degrees in Business and Physical Education. During college, Del was president of the Vet’s Cub for two years, supporting veterans returning from the Vietnam War. Del married his ‘little cherub’ Carol Jeanne Ball on November 28, 1970 and they started their lives together in Valley City, N.D. Their son, Ryan Del, was born in 1975 and daughter, Kelly Jean, in 1978. While in Valley City, Del was active on various boards and organizations including the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and the Epworth United Methodist church board helping lead each one with his great sense of humor and compassion for others. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Del and Carol moved to Fargo, N.D. in 1991 where Del continued to work in insurance until retiring in 2010. Del formed many close friendships while in Fargo and enjoyed his Wednesday night golf outings, ice fishing on Lake Lida, and watching Bison football games with his neighbors. He enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Minaki on the Winnipeg River with friends and family for nearly 35 years. He spent many memorable summers at Buffalo Lake in South Dakota with his wife, children and relatives at their lake cabin along with friends on the lake. Most of all, Del enjoyed making those around him smile and laugh with his quick wit and sense of humor. He had a remarkable memory of jokes and storytelling. He will be missed dearly by those who loved him. In the words of Del as he was making an exit, “I’m in the wind”. He is survived by his wife, Carol of 49 years, son Ryan, Highlands Ranch, CO and daughter Kelly (Matt) Hockett, Moorhead, MN. His grandson Camden Pinke, and granddaughters, Molly and Kate Hockett. His brother Eldon (Carol) Pinke, Wishek, ND, and his sister Ardella (Bruce) Rau, Medina, ND, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

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  1. So sad to see this. Del was a great man! He always kept us laughing and smiling. Carol and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  2. Carol, Ryan, and Kelly….I’m so sorry to hear about Del! Sooo many fun memories of living across the street on 6th Ave NE for so long! I can still hear Del say “Up King, Up” as we would drive around in his sparkling clean black car! You will be in my prayers! Hugs!!!

  3. The world will miss Del; one of the nicest, caring, funniest guys ever. Gisela and I are sad for your loss, Carol, Ryan, and Kelly.. Sad for our loss too!!!

  4. Carol, we are so sorry for your loss. We only met Del once but we knew he was a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let’s stay in touch.

    Love, Linda and Greg

  5. I very sorry for your loss. Del was always so much fun. He always had time to make people smile!

  6. Sorry to see Del’s passing. Went to school with him for 12 years and ushered in church with him. Sorry for your loss.

  7. Carol and family, I went to Marion high with Del, played in the band with him and was a basketball fan of his from the bench. He was a leader and a role model for me both in school and at Youth Fellowship, EUB church Marion.
    My salute to him for his military service. He always brought that magic smile to our church in Fargo, but you probably had a lot to do with that. Wish I had gotten to know you both better. Marsha and I extend our condolences.

  8. So sorry to hear about Del’s passing. Great memories of him when he was an associate of ours. Thoughts and prayers to you Carol and family.

  9. My condolences to Carol and family in the loss of Del. Although we didn’t have much contact in later years, because we both left Valley City and went different directions, I will always remember and am very thankful for the inspiration and help that he provided for me when we lived neighbors and were active in a number of events together. He was always there to help—even washing my wife’s car when he thought it was getting too dirty. May God bless you during your time of morning and loss. He was a friend that you could never forget.

  10. Del could tell jokes about about ANY subject. In fact, he loved the challenge and proved that he could do it! Whenever or wherever a picture was taken, we had to wave at the camera. There are many stories and innocent pranks that Del, Dan, and Eddie Boom shared as Marion “city kids”. As married couples, every reunion together included laughter and precious memories.

  11. Carol, Ryan and Kelly,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Del was one of the nicest men around, He always made us laugh on the morning rides to school and King always got the front seat. So many fun memories living across the street from your family for so many years. He always had the cleanest car in town! He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you.
    Beth Verwey Kobbervig

  12. Sad to hear the NEWS Carol. We all seem to be in that time in our lives when we are attending or responding to more Funerals than weddings. All the best to you and yours going forward without Del.
    Your Cousin, Keith, in Washington

  13. Thank you for your service to our Country and it’s veterans. Enjoyed knowing you and your family as well as your smile and good sense of humor. Mike and Kathy Vandrovec

  14. Del loved family, it was so obvious! No matter how far aunts, uncles, cousins traveled, he welcomed us into their home. He made room, fed us, made us laugh, and even washed our cars! There was always time for the nearest, dearest and craziest of us all. I know we always felt loved and cared for. We will so much miss Del on our next journey to ND.

  15. We are so sad and heartbroken to hear that Delmer has passed away. He always had a smile on his face, was a bundle of energy, and always uplifted everyone else. I graduated with Delmer from high school and Delmer was one of the people who made our high school years fun. He was one of a kind that we all enjoyed being around. I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him. God Bless you, Carol, and family.

  16. Was just informed of Delmer’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. I graduated High School with Delmer and remember him fondly as being the life of the class! Always cheerful, always laughing and a great person to be around. I’m thankful for his service to our country and the part he must have played on behalf of all veterans. May the Lord be with you, his family, as you grieve his passing.

  17. I grew up with Delmer in our class in Marion. I have so many fun memories. My first ride going 100 riding in his car. A few pranks we did in high school. He was always a story teller, always fun, always kind. He is definitely remembered and missed. I’m so sorry for your loss , Carol and family. My prayers go out to you. Joan McCusker

  18. Del was a great friend and set an example for me on many things! In golfing and ice fishing and everything…. there’s so many awesome Del stories. Definitely will miss Del.

  19. The adjective “unique” is overused, but would unarguably apply to Del … especially during annual Minaki, Canada outings at the Horgan Camp. The tales and laughter are the stuff of legends among his friends. Ever an impish smile, hinting,”What has Del thought up this time?” Some memories … and mysteries … are, indeed, unique … as with Del! Miss ya!

  20. Just noticed Del’s passing in the VCU Bulletin. We knew Del while John attended VCSC in 1970-71. As John, too, was a member of the Vet’s Club, we had good social times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


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