Merle Dean Hinze

Merle Dean Hinze, age 91, of Rising City, Nebraska, passed away March 2, 2022 at Bryan Medical Center East hospital in Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Rising City with Pastor David Palomaki officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola. Organist will be Peggy Palomaki. Congregational Hymns will be “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagle’s Wings” and "Thine Forever, God of Love."  Pallbearers will be Chad Hinze, Justin Hinze, Jeremy Hinze, Jessie Perry, Brad Haugaard, Calen Hinze, Mason Hinze and Jett Hinze. Interment will be in the Immanuel Cemetery, Rising City.

Merle was born November 18, 1930 in Hastings, Nebraska and was adopted by Reinhold and Emma (Siffring) Hinze as an infant. He attended Rising Sun country school and Rising City High School, graduating in 1948.

On April 29, 1951 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Drawbaugh of Rising City. To this union two children were born.

Merle loved being a farmer, along with raising cattle. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the grandchildren and great grandchildren show cattle and participate in their activities.

He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Rising City. Merle served on numerous boards and took great satisfaction in working for the betterment of the community and causes he believed in. He served on the Rising City Rural Fire Board for 63 years.

Left to mourn his loss are his children, Larry (Patricia) Hinze of Rising City and Cheryl (Monty) Jones of Osceola; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chad (Rosa Anguiano) Hinze, Calen, Mason and Lyla of Columbus; Justin (Jill) Hinze, Jett, Jace and Jona of Erie, CO: Jeremy (Lindsey) Hinze, Emily and Johnny of Lincoln; Jami (Brad) Haugaard and Braxton of Ham Lake, MN; Keri (Jessie) Perry, Klayton and Sloan of Rising City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley who passed away October 21, 2020; and grandson Clint Jones.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later.

Dubas Funeral Home of Osceola and Stromsburg has been entrusted with arrangements.

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