Gerald "Gerry" Leon Hinze

Gerald Leon Hinze, 83, of Elgin, died May 3 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A memorial service will be scheduled later.

He was born Jan. 17, 1928, to Erick and Lenora (Pepin) Hinze in Pine City, Minn. He grew up in Pine City. He moved to Portland before settling in Elgin.

He was married to Ione Scott. They later divorced. On Oct. 13, 1973, he married Mary Katherine Apa. Before retirement, Gerry was employed with Oregon Home Improvement, assisting with demolition, construction and clean-up. After retirement, he worked as a security guard.

Gerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking. He was an excellent bowler and received several awards. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks football, Minnesota Vikings football and Minnesota Twins baseball.

Gerry served in the U.S. Army for 3 1/2 years.

Surviving are his wife, Mary; children and their spouses, Daniel Hinze of Elgin, Debra and Tom Rachau of La Grande, Deanna and Curt Hogan of La Grande, Rhonda Hinze and her companion, Mike Culver, of La Grande, Erick Hinze of Portland and Wayne Hinze of Ontario; brother and spouse, Edward and Debbie Hinze of Fairfield, Mont.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erick and Lenora; and his siblings Elaine Wanous, Marcella Pangerl, Verna Norris, Dale Hinze, James Hinze and Bonnie Hinze.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Oregon, 7420 SW Bridgeport Road, No. 200, Portland 97224-7790.

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