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Richard E. “Dick” Hintz, 86 was born to eternal life on March 3, 2025, while refurbishing a sturgeon spear on his home workbench. He was born November 13, 1938, to Frank and Angeline Hintz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With an unrelenting amount of young boy energy and mischief, they moved out to Big Muskego Lake where Richard started a lifetime love of the outdoors fishing, hunting and trapping. He even bought first shotgun from the sale of hides and pelts. His artistic talent also thrived through his local 4-H club, and he won many blue ribbons for his drawings and paintings at the State Fair.

Richard graduated from the City of Milwaukee Boy’s Trade and Technical High School in 1958. He later completed a tool and die maker apprenticeship and was employed many years for Chain Belt Company, which later became the Rexnord Corporation. Richard also served as an Airman Second Class in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, 128th Motor Vehicle Section, and completed training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, in 1961.

During the years Richard was married to Nancy LaPrest, they enjoyed many years making memories with family and friends both in Milwaukee and Boom Bay. He was especially proud of sharing his love of the outdoors and Lake Poygan with his two beloved nephews, Lance and Shawn LaPrest during the years they lived with them in New Berlin, WI. Richard permanently retired to Boom Bay in 1991 and spent his remaining years enjoying the community of neighbors and sportsmen, especially his sturgeon spearing group of friends.

During these years and rest of his life he practiced taxidermy and in the 1980s became one of early Master Woodcarvers in the United States, earning numerous awards and recognition in this field.  He specialized in waterfowl, songbird and shorebird decorative and working duck and sturgeon decoys, wood carved jewelry and many whimsical displays.

Richard is survived by his loving sister, Francine Leher, also of Larsen, WI; his niece, Lynette (Christopher) Church, of Chanhassen, MN; great-niece, Angeline Church; and great-nephew, Eric Church. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Alan Hintz; and brother-in-law, Warren Leher.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will be held on Monday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery, Town of Wolf River that all are also welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Richard’s name to your local sportsmen or conservation club.

If you wish please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.