Bernie O. Hinck, 85, of New Richmond passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Deerfield Nursing Home.

He was born July 3,1937 to Henry and Elsa (Henn) Hinck in Lake City.

Bernie attended Oak Center School and graduated from Lake City High School. After graduation, Bernie attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis which started his career in radio broadcasting. His first big radio job was at KSCJ in Sioux City, IA. His on-air personality was “Smilin Sam the Record Man” where he DJ’ed a number of sockhops/dances.

Bernie also met his wife, Lois (Dot) Hinrichs from Laurel, NE, while in Sioux City. They were married in South Sioux City, NE on April 30, 1960.

After a long radio career that covered numerous towns and states, Bernie and Lois took their 5 kids to Turtle Lake where they purchased a gas station/convenience store. Timing was not great as an oil embargo created a gas shortage. Looking for a second income Bernie soon ended up at Andersen Windows in Bayport, MN. This was an awesome family fit (all five of his kids also worked there) and he spent the next 23 years there before retiring in 1999.

Bernie’s passion was his kids and sports. At Turtle Lake he was able to enjoy both, as well as scratch his radio itch, with his new part time job as the Lakers game announcer. With five active kids in many sports this gig covered multiple decades. A number of his 7 grandchildren went on to play college sports and he was their biggest fan despite losing a leg in 2017. He was planning his next basketball game to attend when his health failed.

Bernie spent his last 4 years at the Deerfield Nursing home where he was very active in all the activities despite losing a leg. He was loved by the nurses and staff and his passing was difficult on everybody.

He is survived by his five children; Glori of Minneapolis, MN, Bill (Kim) of Vadnais Hts, MN, John (Sharon) of Lake Elmo, MN, Melinda (Jim) Sorensen of Balsam Lake, WI and Brent of Hammond, WI; Grandchildren Tanner and Alison Hinck, Colton (Kelsy) Sorensen, Raelin and Raegan Sorensen, Jordan (Amanda) and McKenna Hinck; Sister-in-laws Marilee Hinck, Phyllis Hinck, Geri Hinck, Mary Anne (Wayne) Seibert, Shirley Bruce, and brother in law Jim (Debbie) Hinrichs, many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, February 3, 2023 at Joy Lutheran Church, Centuria, WI with Pastor Angie Kutney officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Turtle Lake at a later date. Pallbearers are Keith Krueger, Bryce Hinck, David Dittfach, Dave Hinck, Randy Hinck, Craig Krueger, and Dallas Hansen. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the Skinner Funeral Home in Turtle Lake, and one hour before the service on Friday at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Turtle Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: Jan 31, 2023 2:47 pm CST