LaWayne Hinrichsen

LaWayne “Heinie” Hinrichsen, aged 95, peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Remarkably, he departed this life on the same date, albeit 13 years later, as his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia.

A Celebration of Life in honor of LaWayne will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the American Legion Post 307, located at 109 E 19th St, South Sioux City, Nebraska. Burial will take place at Crawford Heights Memorial Cemetery in Denison, Iowa, at a later date.

LaWayne was born on November 15, 1928, in Crawford County, Iowa, to Elmer and Frieda (Jacobs) Hinrichsen. He graduated from Charter Oak High School and served his country in the Korean War, where he was assigned to a construction unit building bridges and roads for U.S. troops. Upon returning to civilian life, he utilized the skills he acquired in the Army to contribute to infrastructure projects, including working on paving crews and later joining the construction team at Iowa Beef Processors’ Dakota City plant, where he worked for over 25 years, primarily as a mechanic in the maintenance department. Following his retirement in 1992, LaWayne continued to stay active, working part-time as a delivery man for Flowerland for over 15 years.

LaWayne married the love of his life, Patricia Rose Blake, on January 2, 1955. Together, they established their first home in Charter Oak, IA, before relocating to Sioux City, IA, in 1960. They purchased their first and only house on McFaul St through the G.I. Bill. LaWayne spent many hours working on the house and could often be found tending to his yard and flower garden during the spring and summer months. He enjoyed socializing with friends at the VFW, American Legion, and local pool halls engaging in card games and participating in pool leagues. A proud member of the UFCW Local 222, he enjoyed the retiree potluck dinners. He delighted in his role as a grandfather, spending quality time driving around his grandchildren, attending their games, watching true-crime TV shows with them and sharing his Klondike ice cream bars.

LaWayne is survived by his six children: Ronda Sweet and her husband Woody of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; Linda Janssen of Little Elm, Texas; Beth Daniel and her husband Chris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Michael and his wife, Dana of Anthon, Iowa; Gary and his wife, Kim of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Rebecca Budd and her husband, John of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia R. Hinrichsen; his parents, Elmer and Frieda Hinrichsen; and his brother, R. Dean.

LaWayne’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to all those who assisted in his care, including Visiting Angels Siouxland, Care Initiatives Hospice, Dr. Mark Carlson and his staff, Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Sioux City, Drilling Pharmacy, Mark Hall and Hall Physical Therapy, and LaWayne’s cherished neighbors, Ben and Janelle Schneiders. Additionally, the family expresses deep gratitude to Lisa Stowe, LaWayne’s adopted granddaughter. Lisa and her family have been invaluable sources of help, support, and love in providing care and friendship for many years, first for Patricia, and then for LaWayne.