Anita Ericka Hinkle

Anita Ericka Hinkle (née Dufern) passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the age of 99. She was born on August 15, 1925, in Schmölln, Germany. In 1929, her family immigrated to America, where she spent her life in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Anita married Fred Hinkle in 1947, and together they raised four children: Raymond Hinkle (Susan), Ralph Hinkle (Gail), Elizabeth Carson (Steve), and Donna Lagerquist (Paul). She was immensely proud of her family and cherished her eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elsa Dufern; her adored brothers, Horst, Heinz, Richard, her sister & best friend Irmagard Susinka; and her beloved daughter Donna.

Faith was a cornerstone of Anita’s life, shaping her values and actions. She was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for much of her adult life, and later Willow Creek Community Church, where she attended services and volunteered in the Seeds tape room.

Throughout her life, Anita built and nurtured lasting friendships. She stayed connected with her friends through letters, phone calls, and visits, and she delighted in traveling to Florida to visit her sister-in-law or heading to Wisconsin for lunch with a high school friend—well into her 80s. In her later years, she often joked, “All of my friends keep dying, so I just have to keep making new ones!” She found joy and companionship in activities like card games, Bingo, and any event that brought people together.

Anita’s zest for life was evident in her many passions. She bowled in a league and played volleyball (with trophies to prove it.) Her competitive spirit extended to supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as she enthusiastically attended their athletic events, recitals, and school activities. She was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, first by attending games in her younger years, and then watching on the tv or listening on the radio.

Anita’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family and friends will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 8, at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, from 10:00–10:30 a.m., with a brief visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Activities Director at Heritage Woods of McHenry. These contributions will allow her friends to continue enjoying the activities she loved most: Happy Hour, Bingo with prizes, seasonal crafts, and more.