Obituary

Richard A. Hinz was born to Clarence and Bertha (Wunder) Hinz in Avoca, Iowa, on October 11, 1934. He was born at home, on his Father’s family’s farm. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Minden, Iowa, to a farm originally owned by his Mother’s parents. He had one sibling, Robert, who was ten years older than he and who was his best friend.

Richard attended a small grade school and high school, rode his pony to and from school every day, and graduated from high school a year early. Richard played the trumpet in high school, participated in marching band, and was a fan of Al Hirt and any other good trumpet player.

Richard joined the Army in 1954 and trained as an Army medic. He served during the Korean Conflict, in Orleans, France. In addition to his other responsibilities, he reluctantly inspected restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and hotels in Paris and throughout France, to ensure that American servicemen remained healthy while off base.

He returned home in 1956 (now Dick) and began studying mechanical engineering in Omaha, Nebraska. He was introduced to Patricia Hegarty by Patricia’s cousin, Denny Hegarty. Dick and Pat were married on July 26, 1958. Dick’s early career was in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, before his family moved to Des Moines. He worked for ADT Security, BG Peterson and Company, and then HP Sales.

Dick and Patricia had four children, Michon, Richard, Daniel, and Mary Alyse. Dick actively participated in his children’s activities and as a volunteer in his church and community. He served as a Cub Scout leader and baseball coach for his children. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at his parish, St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. Dick and Pat were active in the Cursillo movement for many years, and he worked dozens of Cursillos. He was a leader and cook at many TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) retreats throughout the years. He also served his community as a group facilitator for an addiction recovery group at Powell III in Des Moines for 35 years.

In 1978, Dick started a business, Hydronic Energy Inc., selling commercial heating, cooling, and plumbing products in Iowa and Nebraska. Many of the company’s products he sold are still supporting mechanical systems in hospitals, schools, hotels, and other commercial buildings in the two states. He was proud of the company he built, and sold it in 2001 to Kevin Bjornson, who had worked with him for over two dozen years. The company is now owned by a third generation of owners.

Dick and Pat were married for over sixty-six years had the great fortune to travel to many places together over those years, including to Mexico, Brazil, and throughout Europe. Dick and Pat took cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, and Eastern Europe. But his most enjoyable trips involved him holding a fishing pole and sitting in an aluminum boat with a three-horsepower motor on a lake anywhere.

In addition to his volunteer activities and spending time with his family, Dick enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers. As the youngest boy without any girls in the household, his mother taught him how to cook, which he loved to do throughout his life and the passion for which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He loved all animals, including all his farm animals and the many dogs and cats he had over the years.

For the past fifteen years, Dick and Pat spent their winters in Phoenix, Arizona, so they could spend more time with two of their children and their families. There, they celebrated many holidays together, enjoyed mild winters, and were able to build great memories with his grandchildren centered around school, sharing meals, and celebrating birthdays.

Dick proudly received awards for his family’s ownership of a Century Farm, his receipt of the St. George’s Award for religious ministry in Cub Scouts, and his recognition of years of service with Powell III.

But the most important thing to Dick was his family. He was a deeply dedicated husband and father. He preferred nothing more than being with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews, and his many cousins. He always made time for family, and it was his family that gave him the greatest satisfaction and peace. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Michon and son-in-law, Steve Hine; his son, Richard and daughter-in-law, Andrea Cummings; his son, Daniel; his grandchildren, Alanna and Michaela Hine and Connor and Aidan Hinz; his nieces, Debra Minahan (Tom) and Laurie Fell (Bill) and their children and grandchildren; and his many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bertha; his brother, Robert (Barbara), and his infant daughter, Mary Alyse.

Richard passed away, September 28, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Urbandale, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and mass at 11:30 a.m. A lunch reception will be held afterwards. Burial will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Avoca, IA.

For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed. A link will appear on Richard’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where you may also leave online condolences.

Contributions in Dick’s memory can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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