Ben G. Hiniker, age 89, died Feb. 24 at his home in Owatonna. A family service will be held at a later date. Ben was born in Mankato in 1929 and was raised with a brother and four sisters on farms near several southern Minnesota communities. He graduated from Northfield HS in 1947 and served for two years in the U.S. Army. He worked many years as an auto mechanic in Northfield and Mankato before joining the U.S. Postal Service in Mankato. He retired from the post office in 1990 and moved to Owatonna in 1992. Ben is survived by his longtime partner, June Garrison; son Bill Hiniker of Glendale AZ; daughter Barb Schwartz of Peoria AZ; son Steve Hiniker (Mary) of Mesa AZ; daughter Sandy Carlson (Bruce) of Peoria AZ.; sister Bette Swain of Casa Grande AZ; sister Alice Sacco of Fridley MN; sister Janet Eichers of Mankato MN; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Rachael (McMahon) Hiniker of Mankato MN, daughter Joan Hiniker, sister Margaret Grahn, and brother Robert Hiniker.