Garrett John Hinnefeld's Obituary
Garrett John Hinnefeld, 72, of Coldwater, Michigan met Jesus face-to-face on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
We prayed and believed for John’s healing until his last breath. God is our healer. Even when we don’t see healing, He is still God our healer, His Word is still true, and He is still worthy of our praise. God does not fail us. John is a man who believed this with his whole heart. He was inquisitive about God’s Word and His ways, and now he is with the Author and Perfecter of our faith, soaking it all in. We are proud to celebrate the life that he lived.
Visitation will take place at 3:00 p.m. and the funeral service will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Freedom Church A/G, 12341 5-Mile Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 with his son-in-law, Rev. Bryan P. Brooks, officiating.
Garrett “John” Hinnefeld was born in Seymour, Indiana to Gilbert John Hinnefeld and Hazel Pearl Hinnefeld (Stigdon) on November 12, 1943. John graduated from Coldwater High School in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He married Margaret Ann Marriott on November 14, 1964 in Cranston, Rhode Island.
John served 30 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. His awards and decorations included the Command at Shore Insignia, Officer and Enlisted Submarine Warfare Insignia, Officer Surface Warfare Insignia, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, Scuba Diver Insignia, Navy Recruiting Excellence Badge, 3 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Navy Expeditionary Medal, and other personal, unit, and campaign awards. He served on the first diesel submarine to carry nuclear weapons, he was a Navy Diver, he qualified for submarine and surface warfare, and he was the first warrant officer in the Navy to qualify in submarines.
John is preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brother Dale Hinnefeld.
John is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Margaret Ann Hinnefeld. He is also survived by his children Garrett John Hinnefeld, Jr., Stephen Todd Hinnefeld, Michael Joseph Hinnefeld, Geoffrey Sean Hinnefeld, Sr., Susan Elizabeth Brooks, and Thomas Adam Hinnefeld; daughters-in-law Teresa Fullerton, Tina Hinnefeld, Tanya Hinnefeld, Kimberly Hinnefeld and Jessie Hinnefeld; son-in-law, Bryan Brooks; sister, Gloria Mackewich; grandchildren, Mariah, Hannah, Carlie, Julia and Joshua Hinnefeld; Amanda O’Maley and her husband Joseph O’Maley, Alyssa, Stephen and Austin Hinnefeld; Joseph, Christy, and Justin Hinnefeld; Tyler and Geoffrey Hinnefeld; Elizabeth, Evan, Ava, Aaron and Ian Brooks; Zachary Stott, Deklan and Jude Hinnefeld; and great granddaughter Adalyn O’Maley.
Pallbearers will be John, Steve, Mike, Geoff and Tom Hinnefeld, and Bryan Brooks.
John was passionate about mentoring and training young men in their walk with the Lord. A scholarship fund has been created in John’s name to help young men who participate in Royal Rangers—a discipleship and mentoring program. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Redemption Church to help these individuals participate in Junior Training and the Potomac District Pow Wow. Checks can be made to Redemption Church and will go directly to this fund.
The family wishes to thank you all for your love, support and prayers.
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