Thomas "Tom" R. Hinkley

Thomas “Tom” Hinkley, 52, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, after an extraordinary 11-year battle with cancer. Throughout his journey, Tom faced every challenge with remarkable strength, determination, and grit. He was tough as nails, stubborn in the best of ways, endlessly hardworking, and always ready with a goofy joke or a smile that could lighten any room.

Tom was born on March 7, 1974, in Grand Forks. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1993 and later attended Northland Community & Technical College, earning an associate degree in recreational engines. Tom worked a variety of jobs throughout his life and took great pride in owning and operating Dakota Lawn and Garden, where he combined his strong work ethic with his love of working with his hands.

On August 31, 1996, Tom married the love of his life, Rachelle Larson. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. They welcomed their son, Travis, on September 24, 1997, and their daughter, Andrea, on September 18, 2001. Family was Tom’s greatest pride and joy.

Tom loved spending time at the lake, helping on the Leas family farm near Rocklake, being outdoors, tinkering in the garage, and lending a hand whenever someone needed help. Whether he was fixing something that was broken, improving what wasn’t, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Tom found joy in life’s simple moments. He was the kind of man who showed his love through actions—always willing to help, always dependable, and always there when it mattered most.

Above all, Tom cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His grandson, Nash, and great-niece, Irie, brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Tom also loved his grand-puppies, Ranger and Sage very much.

Tom is survived by his children, Travis (Morgan) and Andrea (Dawson), and his grandson, Nash, all of Fargo, ND; his mother, Janice Hinkley of Halstad, MN; his siblings, Debbie (Dave) of Norfolk, VA, John (Pauleen) of Halstad, MN, Sandy (Paul) of Webster, WI, and Carol (Derrick) of Rocklake, ND; his father-in-law, Ron Larson of East Grand Forks, MN; his sisters-in-law, Ranita LaHaise of Scottsdale, AZ, and Rhea (Tyler) Grove of Audubon, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Tom is reunited in Heaven with the love of his life and the one and only, Rachelle Hinkley; his father, Roger Hinkley; his mother-in-law, Rowann Larson; and his grandparents, Irie and Rena Hinkley and Edna and Julian Sandberg.

Tom’s legacy is one of resilience, loyalty, hard work, and unconditional love. Though his family’s hearts are broken by his loss, they take comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and reunited with Rachelle. His strength, humor, and steadfast presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Tom’s life was not measured in years, but in the love he gave, the work he did, and the lives he touched.