Ellen Ruth Hinz

Oh, how to begin an earthly writing about the humble life of the faith filled servant Ellen Hinz. I will begin with her own words - Heaven is my Home - she went there to God’s opened, comforting arms on Wednesday, August 21st. Even in the moments of the valley, there were notable glimpses of this ever, steadfast held truth. The faith that abounded and multiplied from God through her to countless will continue to grow on. As we all know, all we really need to know is what we learned in kindergarten. We learned of that “child-like” faith through God’s vessel and faithful servant, Ellen Hinz, our life sharer, teacher of over three decades to two generations of families at St. Matthew Lutheran, Appleton. She listened with compassion to family members, learned alongside children, followed those children into adulthood - always keeping an eye on God’s flock of little lambs. Each life touched remembers her and knows God. As family and friends, we will miss her simple loving ways, her desire to “always be there for you”, her sense of wit and sharpness, but most of all her faith in God through the highs and lows of this human life. I was blessed to learn from the best and we, each one of us, are all the better having known her. Well done, good and faithful servant. 

Ellen attended Garden Homes, Siloah Lutheran School, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Wisconsin Lutheran College and Doctor Martin Luther College 

Ellen is survived by her daughter Sarah (Robert) Patschke, grandchildren Brandon (Bella) and Samantha Patschke, sisters Carla Fischer and Donna (Paul Mueller) Siegmund and brothers John (Kathy) Siegmund and Paul (Julie) Siegmund.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank R. Hinz and her parents Charles and Eldora Siegmund. In addition to family, she left behind countless children and families of God’s fold. 

Thank you to those who knew her and cared so deeply for her at Care Partners and at St. Elizabeth Hospital in her last years, months, weeks, and days. 

Please consider giving to your church. As we all know, church family and the resulting relationships were important to Mrs. Hinz - so spread that on by giving support and through your own God given talents. 

Confirmation verse: Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is my salvation. 

Steadfast verse: John 10:27, 28a, 30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me and I give them eternal life. I and my father are one. 

Friends may call at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (129 S. Mason St. Appleton, WI) on Friday, September 6, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. The service will be recorded and live streamed on the St. Matthew Lutheran Church YouTube page. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.