Leslie Earl Hinze Jr., 85, of Onalaska, passed peacefully into heaven on July 23rd, 2026.  Les was born on July 11, 1941, in Sheboygan, WI, to Ione Loesing-Hinze.  He was the oldest of three; Keith Hinze (Georgia) and Sandy (Hinze)Proksch (Stoddard).

Later his mom married Arthur Young and combined two families.  Gaining sisters Sandra Ross and Linda Jacobson and brothers James Young, Russel Young and Brad Young.

There were many stories of growing up in the Stoddard-Genoa-Desoto area.  Fishing, trapping, hunting and ice skating on the Mississippi river. Les loved to say that he was a “Desoto Pirate”! And talked about playing football in the “Pit”.

Graduating in 1959, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany.  Served his country until 1962.  Returning to La Crosse to start a long career of working for G. Heilman’s and City Breweries.   Between the two breweries, Les became a part-time orderly at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.  He loved this job – helping people.

It was in spring of 1963 that Les met the love of his life, Mary Daley, and they soon wed on August 17, 1963.  Les was very proud of being married for 58 wonderful years! They raised three children: Sarah Hinze-Pataska (husband-Thomas Reed), Dr. Mark Hinze (Wife-Kathryn) and Nathan Hinze.

Les’s Senior yearbook proclaims, “Les was a Sports Enthusiast”.  He loved sports! Whether it was the Green Bay Packers, Brewers, Badgers, going golfing, biking, running, hunting, fishing, etc. he was passionate about all sports!

Les was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his mother, his Son Dr. Mark Hinze, his Stepsister Linda Jacobson, Stepbrother James Young, his Sister-In-Law Patricia (Daley) Savage and Brother-In-Law Dr. Robert Daley.  He shall be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Zachary Pataska, Abigail Schultz, Annebelle Schultz, Kyla Hinze, and Lilia Hinze.

Les’s family would like to thank Brightstar, Home Instead, St. Croix Hospice and Dr. Mark Beahm.

One of the last things Les said in his sleep was “I have to get ready, I have a date with Mary”!

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 03, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.