On the afternoon of August 12, 2020, Helmut passed away at home after an extended illness from heart failure, his wife and daughter by his side. Helmut was 78 years old.
Helmut Hintz was born in Baumgartenberg, Austria, on September 15, 1941, the only son of Albert Hintz and Berta Doffinger Hintz. Helmut’s dad was involuntarily drafted into the German army and died in World War II. Helmut and his mother along with other family members spent the next few years in Poland and Germany enduring many hardships in war-torn Europe. The opportunity to come to the United States, specifically Prairie County, came in May of 1952 when they were sponsored by the World Church and a local family. Helmut’s mother married Christ Lassle of Fallon in 1953 and the family grew with the arrival of brothers David, Daniel, and Duane and sister Deloris. Helmut attended school in Fallon, Glendive, Miles City and finished the eighth grade in Fallon. He overcame the language barrier and embraced his citizenship in the United States for the rest of his life. His work history began early at Milo’s Grocery while still in school. After his formal education ended, Helmut continued to work at the grocery store and began what was to become many trips to a farm just southeast of Terry. Helmut and Nina Tusler were married on March 14, 1963. Over the years Helmut had been given more and more responsibilities at the store and eventually was encouraged to purchase the store when owner Milo Johnson retired. After being open nearly 3 years, the grocery store proved to be challenging with large chain stores Buttrey Food and Drug and Safeway building new stores in nearby Glendive. It was time for a change. Daughter Roxanne was born during this time in Fallon. The family moved to Glendive in 1966. Helmut went to work at Safeway reaching the position of assistant manager before going to work for Sundry Shops selling goods in the Glendive-Miles City-Forsyth area including 8-track tapes to Eddie Gaub in Terry. After declining a transfer to Kalispell with Sundry so that their children could stay close to grandparents in Terry and Fallon, Helmut went to work in management at Warehouse Grocery in 1971. Son Myron and daughter Sheryl were born during this time in Glendive. Change was just around the corner. That change came in February 1972 when Nina’s dad suddenly passed away and the family moved to Terry to assist her mother with the farm and ranch. What was thought to be a temporary situation turned into nearly 50 years of life on the farm. Daughter Camilla was born in 1977.
Helmut took pride in raising quality hay and RX3 cattle. For many years during this time, he also milked by hand as many as 10 cows twice a day, every day. Occasionally he could recruit a couple of his children to help but most of the time he milked the cows on his own and was able to provide milk and cream to many local customers. As is so often the case, outside employment was necessary to support a family on the farm and in 1979 Helmut went to work for Buffalo Rapids Irrigation Project. He made many close friends along the ditch banks of the Project and enjoyed the opportunities to work with the new guys when they came aboard and sometimes they were the new, young guys which he especially enjoyed. Helmut was part of the BR crew for over 30 years. Helmut had a strong work ethic but also took time to play. He was a sports enthusiast, cheering on the Terriers not only in the late 50s and early 60s when he lived in Prairie County but continuing while the family lived in Glendive. Upon the return to Prairie County he supported his children and grandchildren in all their school activities.
He played softball and coached teams in Glendive even after the move to Terry. He was a long-time Braves baseball fan and especially enjoyed watching the games on TV after his retirement. It would be time for another change when the Braves games no longer held his interest this season due to his declining health. Helmut participated in league bowling in Glendive and Miles City and especially enjoyed mixed league with a crew from Terry bowling at the Red Rock Lanes and often being selected to bowl in the “Big 32” at those same lanes. Arthritis put a stop to that activity. However, he did mention in the last year that he would like to try bowling again when he asked Roxy if she knew if his bowling ball was still around. Most of all Helmut loved his family and the best times were spent together no matter the occasion or activity. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and was proud of the adults they have become. He and Nina were never far apart spending the better part of 60 years together. The longest separations coming in the last year due to several hospital stays.
Helmut was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather and his brother Dave, in-laws Sheldon and Delpha Tusler, friends Raymond Strasheim and Fred Forcella. Helmut is survived by his wife Nina of Terry; their children: Roxy Carlson of Terry; Myron and Kristy Hintz of Dickinson, ND; Sheryl and Brian Morast of Fallon; Cami and Brent White of Glendive; their grandchildren: Ashley (Morast) and Zack Huber of Fallon; Alyssa (Morast) and Alex Yanish of Fargo, ND; Aaron Morast of Fallon; Heather (Hintz) and Ryan Fahy of Dickinson, ND; Sheldon Hintz of Dickinson, ND; Paige White, Hope White, Thain White, Drew White all of Glendive; brothers: Dan and Pam Lassle and Duane Lassle all of Terry; sister Deloris and David Killion of Discovery Bay, CA; special nephew and friend Bill Tusler; friend Bruce Lantis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Helmut Hintz will be on Friday, August 21, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry, MT. Graveside services will be on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery with Rev. Jamie Schmeling officiating. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Terry Community Presbyterian Church or the charity of one’s choice.
The Hofmann Family says
Roxy and family,
We just wanted to say so, so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Del Linda Frost says
To all of Helmut’s family, truly sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lynn Anderson says
Nina, Myron and Sheryl,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May God grant to peace and comfort each and every day. Hold on to the precious memories.
Richard Scheetz says
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Delores Cameron says
My thoughts are with you folks at this time. May Helmut rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Delores
Melinda Young says
Aunt Nina and cousins-keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Melinda
Sue Kirkpatrick Cranford says
Nina, Roxy, Myron and Sheryl-
I am so sorry to see that Helmut passed away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord wrap his arms around all of you and comfort you at this time and the days to come. Sue Kirkpatrick Cranford
Larry Keltner says
Nina, Roxy, Myron and Sheryl:
I am saddened to hear Helmut passed.
My Dad bought standing corn from Helmut to chop for silage the fall of ’88. My folks had droughted out and intended to put their cattle in the feedlot Mike Strashiem didn’t use. I had gotten my right shoulder crippled at football practice at MSU so I was of no use as a football player. So, I got to come home and help silage corn. Chris chopped, my Uncle Dan packed pit and I got to drive a stick shift truck with my right arm in a sling. Helmut would come over occasionally to look in on us and after a while he stopped me during my return trip with the empty truck. He had to jab me some about being an one armed menace on the old highway. We joked to each other that if I had a left forearm as big and stout as Helmut’s I could handle that old red truck like a sports car. Love to you Hintz Family, LK
Barb Haas says
Thoughts and prayers to the Hintz family during this difficult time. Hugs to classmate Roxy <3
Shelley Schultz Steyh says
Hints Family-So sorry for your loss. I remember my dad and Helmut playing cards on their breaks when they both worked Buffalo Rapids and how they were so passionate about farming. Sending prayers.
Michele Schultz Steyh
Larry and Judy says
Nina and Family, We are so sorry to read of Helmut’s passing. Helmut was such a hard worker. It doesn’t seem like he had much time for a retirement after his working life. We ask for God’s care and comfort for all of you as you grieve this sad loss.
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
Hintz family, We are so very sorry. Helmut was a very kind soul who raised an awesome family.
Andy & Nancy Pehl says
Nina, Roxy, Myron, Sheryl, Cami and family
So very sorry to learn of Helmut’s passing. Hold tight to the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. You will be in our prayers.
Kathy Hinnaland West says
Nina and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Helmut. 😢 My thoughts and prayers are with the Hintz family during this difficult time.
Love,
Kathy
Iva Kirkpatrick says
Gary and I are so sorry to hear about Helmut. You are all in our Thoughts ,Prayers and in our Heart. He only takes the best and leaves us all with loving memories!
Mavis Schipman says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories bring you comfort.
Mavis Pomeroy Schipman
Michele Sanders says
Thoughts and prayers to all of the Hintz family. May God grant you peace.
Pam (Spidel)Schlotter says
Nina, Roxy, Myron, Sheryl and Cami, so sorry for your loss.
Praying for God’s comfort during this time for all of you.
Floyd kaul and Diann says
Roxy ,Nina and family our thoughts and prayers are with you Helmut was always one of my best friends we used run are alot together he eas a really nice hiy and friend.l will always remember the good timed we had . Aldo to the brotherd our thoughts are with all of you.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Nina ,Roxy,Myron,Sheryl,Camille, So sorry to hear of Helmut passing Hold on to the good memories, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Electa Pomeroy says
Nina, I have been thinking a lot about you lately. And now this. Condolences to you and your family
Jean Trask Brown says
Nina and Family, so sorry to hear about Helmut, such a nice guy. You are all in my Prayers.
Tami Tusler Eller says
Nina and family, so sorry to hear of Helmut’s passing. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Marietta Wieseler says
Dear Nina and family,
So sorry to hear about Helmut.
Like Electa I had been thinking about you a lot lately. Maybe this is why.
Remember the good times and cherish all of them. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.
Cousin, Marietta
Mike & Sherry Strasheim says
Nina, Roxi, Myron, Sheryl, Cami and families, we are very saddened to hear about the loss of Helmut. Both of my kids, myself and especially Mike all have very special and fond memories of Helmut. Mike always called him the one true Ironman, the most hardworking and dedicated man he ever knew. Such a special person to know and remember. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Don Jasperson says
Nina and Family:
So sorry to learn of the passing of Helmut. Some of my earliest memories were of Helmut when we were children at the German Congregational Church in Fallon. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your faith in Jesus and the promise of our eternal life comfort you at this time.
Don and Cathy Jasperson
Delphine Coon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sue Gallo says
Nina, Myron, Roxy, Sheryl, Cami and families-
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you. Helmut always had a smile and wanted to visit. Even when he wasn’t feeling well lately he was happy to see a familiar face. Hoping that your memories of fun times spent together help you thru these difficult times. Hugs to you all.
Mitch and Sue Gallo
Dave and Diedree Hess says
Nina and family, so sorry for your loss. we are sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Maridel Kassner says
Thoughts and prayers with you!!
Willard and Diane Unruh says
Thoughts and prayers with you!
Tom & Bernice Buckingham says
Nina & Family,
When we lived in Terry we were one of your customers who enjoyed the fresh cream. Tom liked it on his chocolate cake. Hence, whenever we have cake we think of your family.
Nina, the Lord bless you with wonderful memories & thoughts of thanksgiving.
Jerry & Sharon Gardner says
Jerry & Sharon Gardner:
We got to know Helmut and Nina in 1966,workimg together at Safeway Stores Inc. I worked in the produce area and Helmut was in the Non Foods department. We played softball together for Safeway and along with our wives, Nina and Sharon. We were bowling together with other Safeway employees. We did many other events together with our Safeway employee family. Thank you to the Helmut Hintz family for being a part our family. Sharon and I will always remember the times we had in Glendive at Safeway.
Candy Tusler says
Nina and family,
Our sincerest sympathy in your time of loss.
Love, Kurt and Candy Tusler
Quentin Enderle says
I was saddened when i found out Helmut had passed away. We had become friends over several years and i always enjoyed stopping in to chat with him when i was in town. He had a great and sense if humor, and had a real connecrion with the land, his family ment everything to him, and just impressed me the way he would take the time to visit with folks he always made the time and i will miss our visits. Much respect and Mahalo to Helmut and his family, i found him to be a stand up and solid guy…
Quentin Enderle says
I was saddened when i found out Helmut had passed away. We had become friends over several years and i always enjoyed stopping in to chat with him when i was in town. He had a great and sense if humor, and had a real connection with the land, and it just impressed me how he would take the time to visit with folks and how he always made the time to talk story … i will miss our visits. Much respect and Mahalo to Helmut and his family, i found Helmut to be a stand up and solid guy…he will be missed., and his family in my prayers.