Rochelle

Franklin Henry Hintzsche, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, passed away April 30, 2023 in Rochelle, Illinois. He was born November 17, 1940 to Bessie (Smith) and Henry Hintzsche. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm driving tractors, raising all sorts of livestock, and tending the fields. He married Barb (Slutz) Fiste on February 12, 1984. Barb's youngest daughter, Julie, moved to Rochelle with her when she married Frank. Frank and Barb were foster parents for many years. They adopted three girls, Kimberley, Lisa, and Katie. Frank was a member of many sheep organizations, and he and his family spent time at many local, state, and national showing events. Frank took pride in saying he raised sheep for over seventy-two years. He made many lifelong friends at his sheep showing events. He knew no strangers, and most people have many fond memories of playing cards at the fairs with Frank, showing livestock together, or simply enjoying conversation and good company. He also took pride in making a delicious bowl of popcorn. Later in life, he would go to events with Barb and the two of them would pop popcorn together while they enjoyed good company.

Frank was a hard worker his entire life. He took pride in a good day's work. Many days he spent outside tending to the animals and farm fields. He always had a story to tell. Even after so many years, there were still new stories we had never heard. Some were from his youth, from an experience at a fair, or just from his life on the farm.

He was a simple, frugal man, who enjoyed catching up with old friends, watching all sorts of sporting events on television, and hearing about his children and grandchildren's accomplishments. He didn't miss an edition of his favorite newspapers or magazines, and it was common for him to tell you about a headline from a paper or  an article written about a grandchild, or he would simply read you something from the "funnies" section.

Frank spent his youth not only working on his farm, but also helping out on many of the neighboring farms. He had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand to a friend who may have needed some extra help. He believed in hard work and he can be credited for helping many area youth get into the sheep industry. He always had additional children hanging around the farm, helping tend the livestock or bale the hay. Many of those kids are now young adults. It brought Frank a lot of joy to watch those young children grow up and continue to be hard working and successful. Many of them continue to work in the agricultural industry.

Although Frank's mobility was more limited the past few years, he was still very much in control over the family farm. He took pride in knowing what lambs were born and how everything in the barn was doing. He still purchased all of the feed and knew every in-and-out of what was happening in the barn.  Barb, the kids, and the grandkids have taken over the work side of the ins-and-outs of the farm, but they will certainly struggle without the knowledge and expertise from Frank.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, George; his in-laws, Don and Lois Slutz; and his sister-in-law, Connie Slutz. Frank is survived by his wife, Barb; stepchildren: Julie (Fiste) Young, Jean Henegar, and Jim Fiste; his children: Kimberley Hintzsche, Lisa (Jeremy) Good, and Katie Hintzsche; his brother, Harold (Alice) Hintzsche; sister, Marilyn (Charles) Quitno; sister-in-law, Debbie Hintzsche; brother-in-law, Tom Slutz; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation and funeral will take place Monday, May 8, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, 810 Woolf Ct. Rochelle, Illinois with Pastor Doug Cowan officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:15 and funeral service will follow at 11:30. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston.  A memorial will be established.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.