William J. Hinke

William J. Hinke William J. (Bill) Hinke, 65, died at his home in rural Marathon early Saturday morning following his audacious battle with brain cancer that was diagnosed in June 2006. Bill was born May 25, 1942 in Merrill, Wisc. to Elmer and Elaine Hinke After attending Lincoln County Teachers College, Bill married Jeanne Weizenicker in 1963. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in education from UW-Stevens Point in 1969. He taught political science, math, reading and science in the D.C. Everest school district, retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service. Bill had a never-ending thirst for knowledge and earned his Master's degree in education administration from UW-Superior in 1988. Upon retirement, he became an independent representative for Wausau-Stettin Mutual Insurance Company - working out of his home office to serve his customers throughout rural central Wisconsin with his extraordinary brand of individualized care and dedication. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com A volunteer in many capacities within his church, Immanuel Baptist, his favorite ministry was teaching adult Sunday school. Bill studied and taught by building tutorial word acrostics from scriptural lessons. He particularly enjoyed tennis and at one time pursued interests in basketball, baseball, canoeing, camping and bow hunting. He traveled extensively, worked on home improvement projects and was affectionately known for entertaining guests by hosting trivia and word contests. Bill loved to visit and talk with people and analyze. He contributed a two-part fiction series, "Updraft," to the Chimney Sweep Gazette in 1979. Set in Nazi Germany, this murder mystery was about a clever chimney sweep - a job Bill performed himself under the banner name, "Fiddler on Your Roof," for several years starting during the energy crisis of the 1970's when the popular home heating option of wood burning stoves sparked his interest. While he began showing symptoms last year of having a growing and malignant Glioblastoma Multiforme IV brain tumor, he had recently been working as an independent editor and was nearing completion of his third novel, a religious philosophy. Bill is survived by his wife Jeanne, son Jeffrey (Wausau) and daughter Veronica (Chicago). He is also survived by his mother, Elaine (Kutil) Hinke, Merrill; a sister, Carole (James) Kobe, Pewaukee and three brothers; James (Shirley) Hinke, Phillips, David, Merrill, and Daniel, Grafton; his mother-in-law, Florence (Gleisner) Weizenicker, two brothers-in-law; David (Joyce) Weizenicker and Thomas (Phyllis) Weizenicker, and a sister-in-law, Judith Nelson, all of Tomahawk. Many surviving nieces and nephews also were a part of Bill's life. He was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents, his father, Elmer Hinke, father-in-law, Leon Weizenicker and brother-in-law, Louis (Bob) Nelson. Bill's family expresses enormous gratitude to his special friend, Robert Malueg of Marion, Wisc., who dedicated every Tuesday to bringing him joy and stimulation. Bob was one of the brightest rays of light that shined on some of Bill's darkest days. The same is true for the Reverend, Dr. James Engle and so many tireless, caring friends from Immanuel Baptist Church who provided prayer and support during Bill's harrowing 14 months that involved two brain surgeries, recovery, radiation and chemotherapy and a treatment plan of stringent holistic and dietary measures to which he adhered with unparalleled strength and discipline. A celebration of the life for which Bill tenaciously fought while walking in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as his personal savior will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, Rib Mountain, at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2007. Rev. Dr. James Engel will officiate. Burial will be in Stettin Christian Cemetery, town of Stettin. Friends may call Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son... that whosoever should believeth on Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16