Lawrence "Larry" Hintgen

Larry Hintgen went to heaven on Labor Day September 2, 2024, peacefully at his childhood home in Yankton, surrounded by his loving wife, Kathy of 59 years and his family. His devotion to his family, strong Christian faith, kindness to everyone, dedication to water safety education, love of Yankton, and always smiling personality will be missed and cherished forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Tom Anderson officiating. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Thursday, September 5 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation also continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, September 7 at the Yankton Cemetery with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. 

Pallbearers are Jonah Hintgen, Joseph Hintgen, Greg Thome, Steve Cotton, Steve Smith and Fred Binder. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Huether, Merle Larson, Bill Magera, Mike Miller, Mike Reinders, Jon Westling, Ray Willard, Bob Wittmeier and Rod Woerner.

Lawrence Gregory Hintgen was born September 29, 1939 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD to Gregory and Lois (Moon) Hintgen. He was the second son following George and had a younger sister, Katherine. Larry attended Webster and Sacred Heart schools, graduating from Yankton High School in 1957. He attended Yankton College and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played in the Big Red Marching Band! His lifelong love of playing music continued with his participation in the Yankton Area Summer Band.

In 1962, Larry met the love of his life, Kathy Vetter, who was a student nurse from Salem, SD. He surprised his then girlfriend by naming his new boat the “Kathy Vee”. Larry served two years in the US Army during the Vietnam era. During that time, he and Kathy were married in Salem, SD on June 19, 1965. She joined him in Fort Hood, TX where she worked as a nurse at the Darnell Army Hospital.

Upon being discharged from the Army, they returned to Yankton where he worked along with his father in the men’s clothing business, The Globe Clothiers. His dad retired in 1966. He enjoyed working with Kathy and his sons, especially during the summer and Christmas seasons when they returned from college. Larry retired in 1997 and sold the business.

Larry was an Eagle Scout along with all three of his sons. He loved working at camps in Minnesota during summers. He was a Cub Scout leader for all three of his sons. He continued working with the Boy Scout program and served on the District Eagle Board. He spent time after retirement working at Lewis and Clark Scout Camp, enjoying the waterfront and teaching jet ski safety.

Larry loved his community of Yankton. He volunteered his time at Webster Elementary School often with our dog Ace, Sacred Heart School, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Yankton Association, Yankton Area Progressive Growth and was a 60-year member of the Yankton Elks Lodge. Larry was a 50-year member of the Yankton Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as both a flotilla and division commander. He served 20 years on the Selective Service Board. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and especially enjoyed singing in the Sunday and Funeral Choirs. He was a Third- and Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Larry loved to do projects with Kathy and his sons. They were so proud of their first camper, which was a 1960’s school bus conversion. So many family memories and road trips took place in what became known as the Brown Bus. They also renovated and expanded Larry’s childhood home, preserving much of the original historic beauty and character.

Larry was honored to share with Kathy being the 1998 Riverboat Days Captain and Bell, along with being Yankton’s Citizens of the Year in 2005. He was proudest of the family that he and Kathy had created together.

Larry is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Christopher (Kristine) Hintgen and their children: Jonah, Joseph and Mary of Vadnais Heights, MN; son, Gregory (Libby) Hintgen and their children: Clara and Gabrielle “Coco” of Sioux Falls, SD; his son Tony’s special friend, Lisa Rysavy and her children: Arianna and Ericka of Phoenix, AZ; Tony’s children, Sam and Chelsea of Tucson, AZ; his sister, Katherine (Dean) Thome of Milwaukee, WI; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Hintgen; parents, Lois and Gregory Hintgen; brother, George Hintgen; sister-in-law, Rita Linn and her husband John; brother-in-law, Michael Vetter and his wife, Nancy; brother-in-law, Earl Bihlmeyer; brother-in-law, Larry Vetter; and nephew, Paul Vetter. 

Thank you to all the friends, family and community of Yankton for your outpouring of love and support.

Memorials may be directed to the Lewis and Clark Scout Camp and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.