Russell Louis Hinkle was born in Beresford, South Dakota on January 11, 1936 to parents Elijah and Lillian (Lawrenson) Hinkle. He was raised in Beresford where he attended school; graduating from Beresford High School before starting work at the Farmers Cooperative Grain Elevator. Russell served two years in the US Navy and upon his honorable discharge returned to Beresford where he continued his work at the elevator.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Birgen at St. Teresa Catholic Church on June 20, 1960. They initially made their home in Beresford and later moved to a small farm east of Beresford where Phyllis did her best to make a farmer out of Russell.  However, Russell's many friends remember him as a long-time employee of the grain elevator in Beresford having retired as manager after 38 years of service.

Russell was an active member of the Beresford community serving on the Beresford School Board, Beresford Fire & Rescue, the Knights of Columbus, and as a longtime supporter of the Beresford golf club.  In addition to golfing and fishing, Russell and Phyllis enjoyed several years as "winter Texans" in Pharr, Texas.  In 2014 they moved from the farm into Beresford where Russell spent his time with friends, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Russell died February 10, 2020 at his home in Beresford at the age of 84 years.

Russell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Hinkle; daughter, Terri (Tom) Kennedy of Beresford; sons, Gary (Patricia) Hinkle of Omaha, NE and Mark Hinkle of Leawood, KS; nine grandchildren, Katie (James) Westra, Ann (Andrew) Boden, Laura (Brent) Horner, Joe (Sarah) Kennedy, Matthew (Aggie) Kennedy, Molly (Ryan) Hauck, Lauren Hinkle and her fiancé, John Musil, Jaelyn Hinkle and Owen Hinkle; and nine great-grandchildren. His parents and sister, Roxy Edblom, step-father, Thomas Kribell and a granddaughter, Ellen Kennedy preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30AM Friday, February 14, 2020 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford. Visitation will be 5-8PM Thursday, Feb. 13th at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.