Fritz Hinrichs, 83, died January 9, 2009, of natural causes.
Fritz was born to Raymond and Bertha (Ducormmun) Hinrichs Feb. 26, 1925, at the family home in Havre. Fritz attended school in Havre, graduating from Havre High School. He entered the U. S. Navy in 1943, serving as a radioman during World War II in the Pacific. After completing his tour of duty in the U.S. Navy he returned to Havre in 1946, finding work as a telegrapher for the Great Northern Railway, retiring in 1984 as a train dispatcher for Burlington Northern Railway. He also worked for KOJM as a radio engineer and announcer during the 1960s in Havre. Fritz married Mary Elizabeth Hall in 1965 and had one son, Max, later that year. His work and hobbies centered around building and communicating with radio. He loved anything to do with technology and was an avid ham radio operator. He also built and flew radio-control model aircraft with the Saddle Butte R/C club. He is survived by his son Max Hinrichs of Havre; stepchildren William Blake Sr. Of Chinook, Roberta (Blake) Reinke of Evans, Colo., grandchildren, family and friends. Proceeding him in death were his parents; wife, Mary; two brothers; and two sisters. The funeral will be on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at 11 a. m. at the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home with the burial at the Highland Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow at HRDC’s fireside room. A viewing will be held Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. Please send any memorials to the Cardio Pulmonary Unit C/O Benefis Healthcare Foundation, 2800 11th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.
