Harry Hinrichs

Harry Hinrichs went to be with his Lord on June 24, 2022. Harry was a New Year’s baby and arrived in 1955. He was born to Norman and Gertrude Hinrichs, who resided in Denver at the time. They built a home near Erie, Colorado and Harry spent his childhood there. Harry was a very gifted athlete and enjoyed participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduation, he joined his father in the family painting business and eventually joined Local Union 79, where he was a member until his death. He held various administrative positions with the union and served as their Apprenticeship Coordinator. It was through this organization that he transferred to Chadron, Nebraska where he was the Painting/Drywall Instructor for Pine Ridge Job Corps. This was perhaps his most rewarding job, as he taught painting skills to high-risk youth, often becoming more of a father figure and role model. He touched many lives.

Harry met Carolyn Mahoney in 1984 on a blind date, set up by relatives. They married in 1986 and had two children, Garrett and Leanne (Colin) Ball. Harry was able to meet his granddaughter, Marjorie Lyn (Jorie) over Facetime, as she was born in May of 2022. Favorite trips with the kids included a trek to Machu Picchu in 2019 and a trip to Utah in 2021. He particularly enjoyed hunting with Garrett and watching Leanne play volleyball. Harry is also survived by his sister, Pam (Alan) Hale and brother, Eric (Terri) Hinrichs. His brother John is deceased, but his beloved son Jerome (Athena) Hinrichs always held a soft spot in Harry’s heart. He is survived by numerous, wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews as well.

Harry was an avid outdoorsman. While in Nebraska he would hunt deer, antelope, and turkey, enjoying regular and black powder seasons. After he and Carolyn moved to Florida in 2014 (when he retired), he switched over to fishing, catching snook, grouper, tarpon, and assorted other species. A special thanks to his fishing buddies who graciously took him fishing and kept him busy and happy! As a retiree, he participated in the Edgewater Food Pantry for years and painted with Habitat for Humanity and various churches in Chadron, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota.

Harry was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in January of 2020. He courageously endured a Whipple Procedure in February 2020 and started chemotherapy in June of that year. By the summer of 2021, the cancer had spread to his liver and he started radiation therapy and another round of chemo. He participated in two clinical trials in 2022, hoping to find a cure for this dreadful disease. His services will be held at a later date in Colorado. If you are so inclined, a contribution to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or your local food pantry would be greatly appreciated.