Walter R. Hinz, 94, LuVerne, Iowa

Walter Raymond Hinz, 94, of LuVerne, died, Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center, Algona, Iowa.
Walter Raymond Hinz was born Nov. 16, 1920, on the family farm in rural LuVerne, Iowa, the son of Michael and Amanda (Schmidt) Hinz. He grew up on the farm and attended the Lutheran School in LuVerne. After his schooling he began farming until November of 1942, when entered the Army. In 1945, Walter returned home and continued farming the same farm where he was born, and continued to live there until recently.
Walter was inducted into the United States Army on Nov.16, 1942 at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa. His service took him to Europe, where he was an infantry rifleman. His duties were to run messages from the officers of his unit between foxholes and various fighting positions. He participated in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes and Rhineland area and throughout Central Europe. Walters’s decorations include the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with five Bronze Battle Stars, The Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Walter was honorably discharged as a sergeant on Oct. 21, 1945. 
Walter enjoyed dancing at the ballroom in Fort Dodge when he was younger. He also enjoyed fishing and playing pool. His passion was farming, especially attending to his family’s vineyard, which was originally planted by his grandfather. He was a life-long member of the Zion Lutheran Church and was an usher for many years.
He is survived by his sisters, Elsie Abel of Kasson, MN, Lois Palsic of Osage, Iowa; brother, Norman and Sandra Hinz of Algona; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Bertha Naefke, Luella Wehrspan, Emma Bratland, Dora Tofteberg; four brothers, Henry, Clarence, Arnold and Eldon Hinz; brothers-in-law, Ernie Naefke, Lester Wehrspan, Melvin Bratland, Leo Tofteberg and Dan Palsic; sister-in-law, Esther Hinz; and a niece Betty Hinz.