Jeffrey Lynn Tinker

Jeffrey Lynn Tinker, the son of Truman and Hazel (Hutching) Tinker, was born on Nov. 22, 1947, in Ottawa, Kansas. In Jeff’s early years, his family resided in multiple states including Kansas, Texas, Missouri and lastly, Iowa. When he was four years old, Jeff’s parents chose Montour, Iowa to plant their roots. It was here where Jeff would find two of his many loves in life – music and pizza. Jeff’s love for music came when he started on his path to rockstar status with his high school band, The Mavericks. The band would reach peak fame when they had the opportunity to open for The Everly Brothers. He loved playing the drums and singing. Jeff’s love for pizza making came from his time working at the iconic Zeno’s Pizza in Marshalltown. Both music and pizza would be a defining piece of Jeff’s legacy.

In 1966, Jeff graduated from the newly formed Tama-Toledo High School. Following high school, he graduated from Marshalltown Community College and attended SW Missouri State. His college career ended when he was drafted by the United States Army in 1967 where he joined a tank crew as a driver garnering him the nickname, Tinker the Tanker. After he completed his service with the U.S. Army, Jeff’s military career continued with the Iowa National Guard, Maintenance Company 3655, as a cook and recruiter. Jeff was proud to have served our country. As Jeff’s life story grew, so did his family with his first marriage to Nancy Brittain. This marriage would mark the start of his journey as a father.

Jeff moved to Eagle Grove in 1976 where his passion for pizza would continue. He proudly owned and operated Jake’s Pizza in Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, and Mason City. The restaurant was a smash hit with the world-famous menu item, Mediterranean Bread. The delicious dish best known as Med Bread is still talked about and craved by its fans to this day.

Eagle Grove brought a new love into Jeff’s life, Deb Kleppe. They were married on June 6, 1987, at her parent’s home in Eagle Grove. This next chapter in his life would lead him to operating the Eagle Grove and Sandborn Country Clubs. Then in 1996, Jeff and Deb purchased B&S Crossing. Jeff was an entertainer at heart. For over 25 years, B&S Crossing was where he entertained the community with great food and drinks, unforgettable nights of karaoke (where there was a mic, Jeff was ready to sing) and a place for friends and family to gather. Jeff and Deb made the restaurant a staple in the community. Jeff’s involvement in the Eagle Grove community ran deep including the start of a Junior Golf Tournament in the early 80’s, work with The Chamber of Commerce, The Jaycees, and the Centennial Committee, where he even led the parade as a proud “Viking”.

Throughout his life, Jeff enjoyed playing golf, tinkering on cars (especially his treasured Volkswagen Beetle) and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. All these activities brought joy to Jeff. Each activity brought its own unique and memorable moments with friends and families. Another source of joy for Jeff was his family. His four daughters and nine grandchildren meant the world to him. Jeff enjoyed attending family gatherings, birthday parties, ballgames, dance recitals and partaking in a spontaneous Nerf gun fight with his grandkids. Being present for these moments was important to him. Jeff enjoyed traveling and found his spot in the world to recharge with Deb, on a beach in Mexico. These trips with the love of his life brought him happiness and countless memories.

Unbeknownst to anyone, his last day with us was spent with family doing what he loved. He was present in the moment with his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and in-laws, cheering the Iowa Hawkeyes onto victory. On Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, Jeff passed away unexpectedly at the age of 76 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Emily Furrow and brother, Dewey Tinker.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Deb of Eagle Grove; children: (twins) Jenn Briscoe and Heather Bair (Joel) of North Liberty, Angie Hackbarth (Mitch) of Spirit Lake, Katie Spangler (Matt) of Ankeny and Darren Mossman of Deerfield, WI; grandchildren: Ashley, Emma, Nick, Cassi, Adeline, Stella, Keegan, Vayda and Theo; father and mother in-law, Conrad and Marlene Kleppe of Eagle Grove; brother in-law, Scott Kleppe of Loveland, CO; sister in-law, Kristi Trausch (Mike Anderson) of Eagle Grove and many other extended family and friends.