Clarence R. Hinz, age 87, of Merrill, died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston.
Clarence was born July 8, 1925, in Merrill, son of the late Otto and Olga (Stoltz) Hinz. He married Eldru Hanson on June 30, 1951. She survives. Clarence was retired from Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Merrill. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage. He enjoyed gardening, and collecting coins and stamps.
Clarence was a veteran of World War II. He began serving his county on September 17, 1943 in the U.S. Army Air Corp. and was honorably discharged on September 22, 1945. Clarence was a tail gunner on a B17 Flying Fortress and had flown almost 30 missions over Germany and throughout Europe and North Africa. He was a Purple Heart recipient and had attained the rank of sergeant.
Survivors include his wife Eldru Hinz, Merrill; six sons, twins Byron Hinz and Buck (Helen) Hinz, both of Merrill, Cal (Kathy) Hinz, Aaron Hinz, Kelly Hinz, and Vernon Hinz, all of Merrill; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one sister, Janice Miklas, Tomahawk; and three brothers, Lloyd Hinz, Merrill, Marv (Darlene) Hinz, Madison, and Donald (Marlene) Hinz, Merrill. Clarence is preceded in death by five siblings, Alfred, Harold, Ruth, Leona, and Arlene.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.
Online condolence may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com