Robert Hinze

Robert "Bob" Hinze, 84, of Gothenburg died May 17, 2007, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital.

Robert Otto Emil Hinze was born on November 3, 1922 to Otto Alfred and Pearl Louise (Bauman) Hinze at home in Surprise, NE.

He grew up in Surprise attending Green Leaf Elementary and Surprise High School. After his sophomore year in high school Bob and his family moved to Gothenburg, NE. He attended his junior and senior years of high school at Gothenburg High School graduating in 1941. After high school Bob attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. His fatheré�a��a��s illness contributed to his returning to the family farm which was the beginning of his career in agriculture. Later, because of his deep respect for higher education he saw to it that his 4 sons achieved their educational goals.

On March 2, 1947 Bob married Esther Leona Stevens at the Zion Lutheran Church in Gothenburg. To this union four sons were born Steven, Grant, Mathieu, and Mark. Bob and Esther made there home north of Gothenburg where Bob farmed and ranched until they moved to town in 2006.

Bob was a member of the Masonic Temple in Gothenburg. He was also a member of the Zion Lutheran church where he played the piano and organ from 1941 until 1971, was a member of the choir from 1939 until present and was active in many other aspects of the church. Bob enjoyed baseball, playing semi-pro ball for the "Sodbusters". He had a true love of the game of baseball which he pasted on to his boys. Bob enjoyed flat shooting rifles, farming and ranching.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Esther Leona of Gothenburg, NE; four sons: Steven Robert (Shari) of North Platte, NE; Grant Joel (Kay) of Holdrege, NE; Mathieu Lane (Julie) of Lincoln, NE; Mark Reed (Janice) of Hastings, NE; 15 grandchildren: Robert C. (Jennifer), Todd S. (Lori), Michelle L., Monte J., Jamie K. (Joe), Megan L., Janelle L., Creighton J., Garth A. (Holly), Erin E. (Timothy), Haley M., Wilson, Jason, Trent, Timothy (Alicia); six great-grandchildren: Steven, Malcolm, Isaac, Madalin, Jacquelyn, Zachary Alex; and one unborn great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto A. (1962) and Pearl L. (1984) and one sister Luberta Harrington (2005).

Visitation will be Monday May 21 from 10 a.m to 8 p.m with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Funeral will be Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Terry officiating.

Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.blasestrauser.com