Hunting... A tradition the Pinkleman family holds “deer” to their hearts The approaching daybreak on a November morning slowly revealed the first winter storm that brought more than half a foot of glistening white powder and an icy chill to the air. Nearly twenty of Jerome and Charlotte Pinkleman’s family members bundled up in layers of clothes to brave the frosty weather for several hours in hopes of finding the perfect deer on this opening day of deer hunting season. Spanning 65 years of age and experience, this close-knit family from St. James, Nebraska has been deer hunting together for over twenty years. I had the privilege of meeting up with the family after a Saturday’s hunt to discuss their family tradition. A hunter by nature, Jerome always hunted as a young boy. After later settling down and marrying Charlotte Bonertz, their marriage was blessed with five children: Lisa, Cheri, Andy, Carl and Juli. They acquired a beautiful pasture in Cedar County, Nebraska in the late 1970’s that became a prime spot for deer hunting. The boys, like their father, grew up hunting, the girls developed the passion for it as they grew older. As the children became more absorbed in deer hunting, they encouraged mom Charlotte to give it a try. Try she did and she quickly became hooked. Over the years the Pinkleman’s extended their family hunting excursions to include more family, Charlotte’s brother Chuck and his wife Sharon soon became regulars. As the children grew to have families of their own, they also joined in the hunting adventures. Lisa has a son Camryn and Cheri’s family now includes husband John Eickhoff, daughter Lexi and son Expert health care for all ages Mary Jo Olson, MD; Chan Park, MD; Anastasia Searcy, DO; Anthony Burbach, PA-C; Melissa Shefl, PA-C, Art Pepper, CNP Make a personal, lifelong connection with the family medicine team at Sanford Vermillion. Our team specializes in preventive care as well as the diagnosis and management of chronic conditions. Call (605) 677-3700 to schedule an appointment. 018027-00112 Rev. 12/15 14vHERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016