Nat Ginkens

Nat Ginkens, 87, of Knoxville, wife of Don, passed away October 8, 2025, at the Crystal
Heights Care Facility in Oskaloosa. No services are planned at this time. Condolences
maybe left at www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com or mailed to Don Ginkens, 714 W.
Montgomery St., Knoxville, IA 50138. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville
Community Senior Center.
Nathaleen was born March 5, 1938, in Pershing, Iowa to Nicola and Mary (Mediate)
Montleone. She attended school in Attica, with the graduating class of 1956. While in
school she was quick as lightning on the basketball court. She played the piano, a life-
long passion. She also played the accordion.
Nat was married to Don Ginkens in March of 1968. They have shared 57 years
together, raising a family and watching them grow and thrive. Nat was very proud of her
girls and their families. In addition to raising her girls, Nat loved working at Hardee’s,
where she went to work at 3:00 a.m. to make the biscuits; she also had worked at the
Maple Buffet. Nat volunteered many places and was named volunteer of the year. She
devoted much time to the Knoxville Community Senior Center. In her spare time, she
enjoyed making ceramics.
Her grandchildren remember how fun it was to stay over at grandma’s house and how
she spoiled them. Always making time to play games, write letters, and cook and bake
for them. She had a quick wit and great sense of humor that everyone enjoyed.
Nat was preceded in death by her parents: Nicola and Mary Montleone; daughter,
Tammy Simmons; and brother, Mike Montleone.
She will be greatly missed by her husband of 57 years, Don Ginkens; daughters: Vickie
Williams, Debbie (Mike) Woodall, Kim (Ken) Lunsford, and Shelly (Ron) Robinson;
grandchildren: Nikki (Troy) Freese, Heather (Dennis) Dunkin, Amanda Pettera, Dennis
“Dude” (Sara) Williams Jr., Damien Prevo, and Blake (Christy) Prevo; 12 great
grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.