Kenneth K. Hinz

Kenneth Karl Hinz, age 88, of Appleton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Wednesday December 22, 2021. Ken was born on September 2, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas to the late Richard and Amanda (Schoenick) Hinz. He was a 1951 graduate of Appleton High School.  Ken married Marilyn Radtke on June 1, 1957 and they raised three wonderful children. He was employed by AAL (Thrivent) for over 35 years, retiring in 1987 as Assistant Vice-President of Office Services. Ken enjoyed working at AAL and noted it was a “great place to work.” He also added that being retired was just as much fun.

Ken was well-known for his love of his wife, Marilyn and he especially loved it when Marilyn called him “Mr. Wonderful”. Ken and Marilyn were in love for 70 years. Even up until the end, they were still publicly holding hands and sharing their love for one another. Ken was proud of his three children and enjoyed watching them play sports and other activities while they grew up.  He was also very proud of his five grandchildren and cherished the times everyone could be together in Eagle River.

Ken’s legacy was his Christian values, and he was proud to pass them on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing sports, golf and cards, especially bridge and cribbage. Beating Ken at a game of cribbage was not common, but when it happened, it was definitely celebrated to Ken’s amusement. Ken loved his time at the cottage in Eagle River with family and friends, and he especially enjoyed his sailing vacations in the Caribbean.

Ken will be missed and lovingly remembered by his spouse, Marilyn Hinz, his children Linda (Marty) Croak, McFarland, Wisconsin; KC (Erin) Hinz, Rochester, Minnesota; and Nancy Harke, Appleton, Wisconsin; and his five grandchildren Patrick Croak, Claudia Harke, Erik Harke, Aurora Hinz, and Catherine Hinz. Ken will also be missed by his brother, Buzz Hinz and wife Marion, his sister, Dorie Falk, sisters-in-law, Verna Purdom and Delores Steil and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Marge Schleitwiler and Phyllis Hass, brothers-in-law Norm Schleitwiler, Lester Winkler, Glenn Haas, Ken Falk, Bill Strelow, Mel Steil, Chuck Purdom, Claude Radtke and sister-in-law Sandy Radtke.

Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Ken, brother, friend, you shared your love of life with so many!  May those of us who were blessed by your life live to share that joy and wisdom with others.

The Christian Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday January 11, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin with Rev. Kenneth Frey officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am before the service. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton immediately following the service.

A memorial has been set up in Ken’s name to benefit St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and Time of Grace ministry.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Gene Rigstad and the staff at Touchmark Assisted Living for their loving care.

The family has requested everyone in attendance be vaccinated and wear a mask.

You may view the service on Facebook by searching for St. Paul Lutheran Ministries – Appleton and following the Facebook link there.

A celebration of Ken’s life is planned for a future date.