William Hinchley, 85, Owatonna
William “Bill” Donald Hinchley was born on June 11, 1941, to Eleanor and William Hinchley, Sr.
Bill graduated from Medford High School in 1959 and directly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for three years active duty, working as a missiles engineer in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1965.
Bill then worked at Jostens, where he was employed for 50 years to the day, retiring as a facilities engineering manager.
Because of his sons, Brian and Bruce, he became involved in the sport of wrestling, where he served as president of the Owatonna Wrestling Association and became involved in freestyle wrestling. He volunteered as a mat official for over 40 years, being recognized with countless awards, including the US Wrestling Officials Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence, USA Wrestling Official of the Year in 2007, and being inducted in the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 2015. Bill also served as CEO for Minnesota USA Wrestling for 30 years.
Although he is publicly well known for his contributions to wrestling, family was the most important thing for Bill. You could find him attending every event possible that his children and grandchildren were involved in, including wrestling tournaments, dance recitals, tennis tournaments, plays, volleyball matches, hockey games, cross country meets, and track and field meets.
After miraculously surviving a massive heart attack five years ago, Bill could be found with his wife (and loving coach), Genelle, who worked with Bill to ensure he was the best physical version of himself to continue attending family events and continue spending quality time at their family cabin.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Genelle; his children, Brian (Jana) Hinchley, Bruce Hinchley, Gretchen (Luke Lundquist) Hinchley; grandchildren Bianca, Orion, Olivia, Taylor, Oliver, Onya, Simone, Téa, and Wyatt; and also, his great grandsons, Timmy, Wesley, and Ledger. He is also survived by siblings Yvonne Green, Anita (George) Wilhite, Rick (Pat) Hinchley, Sandy Hinchley Wolters, and Bob (Pam) Hinchley; sister-in-law Pat Hinchley; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Hinchley; siblings Bets Kriesel and Jim Hinchley; and brothers-in-law Ed Green and Bill Kriesel. All who knew Bill were blessed by his strong character and sense of honor.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Todd Buegler officiating. Friends may greet the family one and a half hours prior to the service.
Burial will be at St. John Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.