Pastor Mike Sinnett, 77, of Keomah Village, Oskaloosa, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
Michael Thomas Sinnett, son of Thomas L. and Mary Josephine (Gurnett) Sinnett, was born on May 26, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up in Oskaloosa. He attended school there and graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1966. Mike married Nancy Lou McKim on October 26, 1968, in Oskaloosa. Mike’s parents owned and operated Oskaloosa Bus and Transfer, located on South Market Street. After graduating, he joined his parents in the ownership and operation of their business. The business evolved into Mike’s role as an agent with Churchill and Western Trucking, and he worked in that capacity until the late 1980’s. Mike then went to work for CCX Trucking (now XPO Trucking) in Ottumwa. He worked for them until his retirement.
Soon after retiring, Mike pursued his passion for sharing the love of Jesus, his Saviour, and went into pastoral care. He has served as the pastor of the Rose Hill Community Church for the last several years; in addition to caring for his congregation’s needs, Mike organized and launched the Rose Hill Food Bank. Mike was a member of APEPT (a pastor’s organization). Mike loved spending time with his family and watching his grandson, Jonathan, drag race. Mike was the cool grandpa who was on top of the latest technology; his smartphone was his link to his grandchildren wherever they were. He was always in touch with each of them, several times a day, Snapchatting, screenshotting daily, and keeping up with their activities.
His family includes his wife, Nancy of Lake Keomah; his children: Shannon (Ed) Wheeldon of Sigourney, Jessica (Nick) Gilmore of Ruthven, and Cody Sinnett of Oskaloosa; five grandchildren: Taylor Gilmore, Jade Aller, Zoey Gilmore, Jonathan Wheeldon, and Hayden Gilmore.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a brother, Pat Sinnett.
As was his wish, Mike’s body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Burial of his ashes will be in Bluff Creek Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Food Bank of Iowa. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with Mike’s final arrangements.
