Gerald Edward Hines was born on November 10, 1933 to Thomas (Tony) and Dorothy Hines in Minneapolis, MN. He was one of four boys. The family lived in Minneapolis until their world was turned upside down when his father died suddenly. Gerry was only 5 years old. Shortly after his father’s death, his mother moved the family to Richfield, MN where they lived behind the store she ran.

Gerry graduated from Roosevelt High School in Richfield, MN in 1951. In 1953 Gerry welcomed his first son, Mark. In 1957 he volunteered for the draft and joined the army. After surviving basic training at Fort Hood in Texas, he went on to serve in Germany before returning home to the states in 1959. On June 22, 1960 Gerry and two of his brothers, Dick and Lawrence decided to start a Masonry business. Thus Hines Brothers (eventually Hines and Sons) was born. Throughout the years Gerry helped build many amazing buildings around the twin cities area such as The City Center and Mall of America just to name a few.

On August 1, 1959 Gerry married the love of his life, Donna Mangelesen. Shortly after they settled into life in Richfield, MN. They soon began adding to their family by welcoming son, Brian in 1960, daughter, Brenda in 1963, and son, Barry in 1967. In 1968 they welcomed his son, Mark to their home as a full time addition.

After retiring in 1993, Gerry and Donna decided city life was no place for retirement so they permanently moved to their cabin just outside Hertel, WI in May of 1994. There they spent 25 years enjoying time together. Before Donna’s passing in 2019 they were able to share 59 wonderful years together filled with love, laughter and beautiful memories. The cabin was one of Gerry’s favorite places in the world! There was always something he could be working on whether it was building a log shed, creating a rock wall, laying rock steps, or just tinkering in his shop.

Some of Gerry’s favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting, working on many different projects, and spending time with family. Gerry loved his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He showed them in so many different ways. It might be through the cute little boxing dance he did when he was coming to give you a hug and a kiss. It might be by getting on the ground to play and wrestle with the great-grandkids, it might be by helping you with a project, or it might be through having a conversation with you at the kitchen table.

Gerry had a strong steadfast faith that was ever present in everything he did. He was avidly involved in every church he belonged to and he always looked to God for guidance and strength in any challenging time. One of his favorite ways to connect with the Lord was through old Hymns. Many times we would find him in his shed singing his heart out to those beautiful old hymns. They were especially close to his heart this last year while battling pancreatic cancer.

On March 1, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Gerry was peacefully called home to be with his heavenly father. He will be greatly missed but will forever live on in our hearts.

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?

He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Cor. 15:57

Gerald is survived by his children, Brian (Jane) Hines, Brenda Sweet, Barry (Sue) Hines, and Mark (Sue) Hines; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence; and many other friends and family.

Gerald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna; parents, Thomas (Tony) and Dorothy; brothers, Dick and Ted; and great-granddaughter, Harper.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, W7148 Luther Rd., Spooner, WI on Saturday, March 12 – visitation will begin at 10AM followed by the service at 11AM.

You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475.

Last Update: Mar 05, 2022 10:57 am CST