In Memory
Gary Hinz
Jul 10, 1955 — Jul 14, 2026
Gary Eugene Hinz passed away at his home outside of McCook on July 14, 2026 at the age of 71, surrounded by loving family.
Gary was born on July 10, 1955 to Erma (Fritz) and Harvey Hinz in McCook. He graduated from McCook High School in 1973 before attending a year at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. Gary married Barbara Rice in Palisade, Nebraska on September 4, 1976. For nearly 50 years, they made their home in rural McCook, which he deemed "the most beautiful place in the world". Gary farmed for years and then used that experience in his role as a commodity broker. As his family predicted, he would never retire from this role at Agri-Marketing Service, as his passion for the markets was a driving force.
A lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church (Ash Creek), Gary was baptized and confirmed in the church. He held various positions as an elder, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School. Gary enjoyed filling his free time with camping, boating, kayaking, and hunting. He used his talents in woodworking to shower the grandchildren with handmade creations that will be cherished forever. He and his father also spent years creating a 1 1/2" scale live steam model railroad. They built trains and entertained family and friends with rides on "Burlington Little Line" on the Hinz farm, as well as traveling with their locomotives. After spending years volunteering with and supporting the local American Legion baseball team, Gary continued to enjoy spectating a variety of local sports.
Gary was preceded in death by father, Harvey Hinz; brother, Russell Hinz; grandparents, Lydia and John Fritz and Edna and Reinhard Hinz; and father-in-law, Elburn "Pete" Rice.
He is survived by wife, Barb; children, Brianne Linn (Beau) and Nicholas Hinz (Alissa); grandchildren, Reeve and Jenson Linn and Addilynn and McKenzie Hinz; mother, Erma Hinz; sisters: Lynda Ruppert (Larry), Connie Gildersleeve (Phil), Vickie Polk (James), and Lisa Hinz (Eric Groth); mother-in-law, Bette Rice; brothers-in-law, Mick Rice (Diane) and Kirk Rice (Connie); his beloved yellow lab, Mitzy; numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren; and countless supportive friends.
Those who know Gary appreciate his strong work ethic, intelligence, and humor. He valued faith and family above all and set an example of how to be a loving and generous provider. He was a man who could figure out how to fix nearly anything and was always willing to help. Gary was simply an example of a good human - someone with strong morals who made a point to do the right thing, no matter the circumstances. Though his earthly presence will be grieved, we celebrate his welcome into God's kingdom where his strength is restored and he will be embraced by those who have gone before him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hermann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 20 at 10:30 AM. Due to a large extended family and limited space for the in-person service at St. John Lutheran Church, friends are invited to attend a live streaming of the service at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook (411 E 6th St). Friends are also invited to join the family for a meal at Peace following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary's name can be directed to St. John Lutheran Church and Angels Care Hospice. Online condolences may be left at Herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.
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