Nelson A. Hinz

Nelson A. Hinz, age 79, of Pickett, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, WI.

Nelson was born on October 2, 1947 in Ripon, the oldest of four boys to Arthur and LaVerna (Zimdars) Hinz. He graduated from Ripon High School in 1965, and went on to complete a Farm Short Course at UW Madison. On April 28, 1973, he married Shirley Rabe at Grace Lutheran Church in Ripon. Nelson worked at Bohn Implement for many years, and later worked for Pickett Cooperative. He was also a cash crop farmer. He took pride in what he did and worked hard over the years.

Nelson was a devoted and involved member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 years; an usher; a member of the Property Committee and the Men of Grace; and a past church council member. The church was a very important part of his life. In addition, Nelson was a past Town Board Chairman and Supervisor of the Town of Utica, a member of the Liberty Prairie Cemetery Board, and an active FFA Ripon Alumni member. He was a kind and gentle man, always willing to help anyone who needed it.

Nelson is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley Hinz; three brothers, Mike (Karen) Hinz, Lynn (Sue) Hinz, and Keith (Karen) Hinz; an aunt, Marlene Scott; brothers-in-law, Jim (Sally) Rabe, Lester (Linda) Rabe, and John (Pat) Rabe; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Rabe; and numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and LaVerna Hinz; father and mother-in-law, Monroe and Doris Rabe; and a brother-in-law, Monroe Rabe, Jr.

Visitation for Nelson will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9:00 until 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 430 W. Griswold St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Nelson will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Rev. Clay R. Salmela officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Interment will take place at Liberty Prairie Cemetery, Pickett, WI. A memorial is being established in his name.