Wayne Embert Hinz, 79, of Marengo, Illinois passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022. Wayne was born May 26, 1942 in Des Plaines to Embert and Florence (Gaitsch) Hinz. Wayne grew up on a farm in Cary, and he truly enjoyed working with, and taking care of the animals there. On January 23, 1965 he married Shirley Schultz. Wayne and Shirley were High school sweethearts and met at the 4H Busy Beavers club in Cary. They enjoyed showing their animals and competing with one another at the local fairs. He graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1961, where he was very active in sports, and played the trumpet in the school band.
Wayne served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war era. Wayne and Shirley spent their time, during his enlistment in California, camping and sightseeing. After his time served, they returned home to Illinois where their families lived. Wayne joined the sprinkler fitters union, Local 669, where he worked for 32 years, then retired in the early 2000’s.
Wayne and Shirley loved to spend their winters up north, at their cabin, snowmobiling. They were very active in the IASC, the Region 5 snowmobile clubs, and the local Marengo Snow Goers Club. They met many close and special friends over the years attending these clubs.
Wayne spent a lot of his free time helping his family and friends with whatever projects they were working on. He had all the tools and expertise to do the job. He loved to spend time outdoors as well. The things he enjoyed outdoors were hunting, fishing, and splitting wood for their fireplaces.
Wayne was a faithful and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church of Marengo. He attended a bible study there which he spoke of often. He had many friends he enjoyed talking with at church. His faith in the Lord was very important to him.
Wayne was a faithful and devoted husband to Shirley for 57 years and a wonderful father, father in law, and grandfather to his family.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Brian Hinz and Jennifer (Daniel) Cordell; his grandchildren, Alexandria, Brian Jr., Cheyanne, Kennedy, Hayden; his sister, JoAnne (Raymond) Clow; and a niece and nephew amongst many other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be a visitation from 2 to 6pm on Sunday, January 16 at Zion Lutheran Church, 408 Jackson St, Marengo. Visitation will continue from 10am to 11am on Monday, January 17 at the church. The service will follow at 11am.
Interment will be in Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.
Memorials may be made in Wayne's name to Zion Lutheran Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Marengo-Union Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.
