Ralph E. Hintze, 88, of Merrill, passed away June 26, 2012 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
He was born February 17, 1924 in Merrill to the late August & Emilia (Klein) Hintze. Ralph married Gladys Fortney in Freeport, IL on July 8, 1964.
Ralph served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Farragut from 1941 – 1945. When he returned from the war, he worked for Zimbal’s Implement and in 1959, he purchased the business and re-named it Hintze’s Implement which he owned and operated until 1963. Ralph then worked as a salesman for Electrolux Vacuums until retiring in 1989. He was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church and served as an usher. Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to Canada for his annual fishing trip and doing carpentry work. He was known for his good cooking.
Survivors include his wife: Gladys Hintze, Merrill; son: Dennis (Barb) Hintze, Merrill; daughter: Susan (Tom) Okray, Pine Mountain, GA; step-son: William (Gladys) Dietrich, Wausau: step-daughter: Wanda Helvey, Merrill; sister: Phyllis Zuelsdorff, Merrill; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 step-children, one great-grandson, 2 great-great-grandchildren, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
Services will be held 1:30 PM Friday, June 29, 2012 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. James Weiland will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Luther Memorial Lutheran Cemetery, town of Russell. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.