David L Hintz, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026 at Peaceful Pines – Huron.

He will not have a service per his wishes.

David Lee Hintz was born December 10, 1936, to Kenneth C Hintz and Florene (Accoe) Hintz in Mishawaka, Indiana. He grew up there, attending Mishawaka schools until graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1955. He had a notable high school career, being a National Honor Society Member and playing varsity football for all four years. He was also the senior class president.

Immediately after high school, David enlisted in 1955 to serve his country in the Navy. He proudly did his part for four years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959. He then attended the University of Indiana from 1959 to 1960, and the University of Michigan (where he was a member of the prominent student organization, Les Voyageurs) from 1960 to 1963. His education earned him a science degree in forestry, which would pave the way for the rest of his career.

David was employed with the United States Department of Agriculture through the Soil Conservation Service from 1963 to 1987, serving in positions all across America such as Chehalis and Seattle Washington, Huron, South Dakota, and Lincoln, Nebraska. He had a distinguished career, such as being the organizer for the First International Symposium on Windbreak Technology and being a co-author on a related book titled “Windbreak Technology” that was published in 1986. He was also one of the youngest men ever elected as a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters in 1987. David was also proud to be formally recognized for a Lifetime of Leadership in Agroforestry across the Great Plains in 2024, being bestowed the title “Grandfather of Great Plains Agroforestry” by the Dakotas and Great Plains Societies of American Foresters.

But most important of all to David was his family. He met Roberta Davies during square dance lessons in Huron at the YMCA, and they joined in marriage in 1979. They were blessed to share 50 years together before David was called home. David has three children from a prior marriage to Joanne Maier; Julie, Brent, and Jennifer, and two loving step sons, David and Curt Bisterfeldt from his marriage to Roberta.

David retired in 1987, moving with his wife and family to Lincoln, Nebraska and spent his time hunting, fishing, and ranching before moving back to Huron in 2004. He was prolific with anything that could grow, having a special talent for flowers. He often said that he painted with them, and spent long hours in the garden tending to the plants he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Shirley, Roland, and Roger, as well as Joanne in infancy; his son, Brent Richard Hintz; and his special brothers, Dan (Linda) Roggemann, Paul (Diane) Daggy, and Chuck (Gia) Proudfit.

David is survived by his wife Roberta; his four children, Julie (Ray) Hintz, Jennifer (John) Hafner, David Bisterfeldt, and Curt (Christy) Bisterfeldt; his sister, Amelia (Thad) Hintz-Whitinger; grandchildren Alec and Kala Bisterfeldt; and his special brother, Dave and (Terri) Bickel

Contributions in David’s memory can be made to Huron Regional Medical Center Hospice.