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Robert A. Hinrichsen

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Robert A. Hinrichsen, age 89, a longtime Spencer Public School educator, principal and mentor passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Waterford in Colby under the tender care of Heartland Hospice. 

Robert was born in Pittsville to Robert and Frieda (Grimm) Hinrichsen on August 1, 1935. He was united in marriage to Dorla Bolster on August 2, 1958.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Zion Community Church in Marshfield with Reverend Mark Krueger officiating. Following his services, the American Legion Post 298 of Spencer will provide military honors. He will be laid to rest in the West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM, and again on Thursday at the church in Marshfield from 10 AM until time of service. The honor of pallbearers belongs to his grandsons – James Hinrichsen, Mark Niemann, Tim Sandquist, Zach Zarnke,  Dustin Brehm and Chad Hahn.

Robert graduated from Auburndale High School, received his BS Degree from University of WI-Stevens Point, a Master’s Degree from Marquette University in Michigan, and was a dissertation away from a doctoral degree when he had emergency open heart surgery; retiring in 2000.

He began his teaching career at Pearl School in Wisconsin Rapids, where he was teacher/principal, Unity School as teacher/principal, and then to School District of Spencer. He had 44 years in education; 41 of them at Spencer Schools as a teacher, 22 years elementary/JH principal, and finished his years as Special Services Director; writing many government grants for the school during his years as principal and director; holding all positions with much integrity. Throughout his years in education, he developed special education programs, the Spencer Title I program, expanded speech and language services. Education was a life-long joy. A part of him will remain with each child he taught. Teaching was his passion. Education, teaching and helping children were always of utmost importance in his life. He lived that kind of life for many years; always trying to do the best for each student.

As a young child, he had a love for books, this being instilled in him by his Grandma Hinrichsen. His desire was to have a beautiful elementary library at Spencer Schools, so he worked with the librarian to provide students with this beautiful library. His motto was “Books are keys to success.”

He was co-chairman for the church’s new parsonage and held various positions at his church.

He was a past member of The National Guards, President of the Principal’s Association, Spencer Jaycee’s, Spencer Lion’s Club, Boy Scout Leader and chairman of the Spencerama parade.

His family was always very important to him, and he loved family gatherings. It was a joy when his children or any of the family would stop to see him. He would always have a big smile, a quiet joke; the saying, “it’s so good to see you.” He spent many years camping with the family and relatives. During camping trips, he would be up at the crack of dawn to capture pictures of birds and study their environment. His passion was the Purple Martin, and his hobby was building many houses to house them as they arrived in the spring. He also had a love for animals and seeing things grow; especially, the little calves that were bouncing out and about, and his huge gardens that produced so many home-grown veggies and fruits.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dorla, of almost 67 years, daughter, Laurie (Dale) Scheunemann, sons, Patrick (Julieanne) Hinrichsen, Perry (fiancé Melissa) Hinrichsen, Kurt (Albina) Hinrichsen, and daughter-in-law, Renee Hinrichsen. 12 Grandchildren – Jill (Mark) Niemann, Jodi (Tim) Sandquist, Jessica (Zach) Zarnke, James (fiancé Kayla) Hinrichsen, Holly (Eric) Lonigro, Jenna (Dustin) Brehm, Chynna Hinrichsen, Xander Hinrichsen, Lindsey (fiancé Chad) Hinrichsen, Faith Hinrichsen, William Hinrichsen and Matthew Hinrichsen.  14 great-grandchildren Cruz, Jace, Emerald & Sterling Niemann, Paisleigh & Gianna Sandquist, Alainna, Jackson & Grace Zarnke, Malayna, Brese & Teigen Lonigro, Nola & JoJo Brehm. His sisters Dorothy (Don) Leece, Joyce (Keith) Soppe, brother Glenn (Bonnie) Hinrichsen and sister-in-law Marge Hinrichsen.  Many other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Arla Hinrichsen, son, Dennis Hinrichsen, and his brother Edward Hinrichsen.

The family wishes to thank Mary at Heartland Hospice, and The Waterford at Colby for their wonderful care and compassion.

If desired, memorials can be given for the School District of Spencer Elementary Library and Spencer Fire Department.

Robert’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.