Pinkalla was born on October 7, 1928. He was married his sweetheart Barbara Granum. Robert and Barbara went to the same High school, Casimir Pulaski High School. Pinkalla was the owner of the family's business, Pinky's Bowl bowling alley and pro shop (AKA Pinkalla's Bowling Lanes), which was started by his father. He won numerous tournaments from the 1940s through the 1970s.
