John Trinka

John Francis Trinka of Whitewater, formerly of Dexter, Missouri, died peacefully Friday, May 19, 2023, with his loving wife and close family at his side. He was 72.

He was born July 15, 1950, in Patuxent, Maryland, to Anton J. and Diane H. Vought Trinka. They both preceded him in death.

John graduated from Admiral Arthur W. Radford High School in Honolulu in 1968. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1970, where his talents were put to use as a hull technician. He was honorably discharged in 1977 as HT1. During his years of service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Award, Navy "E" Ribbon and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

John's job history included positions from Tennessee to Missouri, where he settled in Dexter to work at Arvin Automotive. After 13 years with that company, John started his own renovation and remodeling business and enjoyed that work until 2012, when he retired.

John was a long-time member and past commander of American Legion Post No. 114 in Sikeston, Missouri. He was most proud that the post supported Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield through proceeds from a motorcycle poker run that has become an annual event.

Hobbies included fishing and playing golf with his best friend, but his "fix-it list" occupied much of his time. He was also an avid firearms enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Volkerding-Trinka; stepchildren, George Sanders of Cape Girardeau and Elizabeth Sanders of St. Louis; nieces, Tammy (Eric) Wolfe and Theresa Reese (Bryan Ikei); a brother/uncle, Bob Trinka; and great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Diane E. Trinka-Reese; brother, Anton W. Trinka; and stepfather, Stan Nicholls.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, May 30, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with the funeral service immediately following at noon, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Inurnment, with full military honors, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars and Stripes Way in Bloomfield.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in John's name to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or a veterans charity of choice.