October 19, 1929—October 31, 2023.
Marion Hinz, age 94, a lifelong resident of Elmhurst, IL, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, at home.
Marion was born on October 19, 1929, to parents Paul and Lilli (nee Birndorf) Gerhardt. She married Oscar Hinz on November 25,1950. They knew each other from a young age because their parents were friends. Eventually they grew up and fell in love and had two daughters. Although Oscar could be trying at times, and struggled with progressive blindness, Marion was always there to care for him and run the household. Oscar had a great sense of humor and brought much laughter into the home, and while it was hard at times, they had a deep love that endured.
Although Marion’s main job was taking care of her family, she worked different secretarial type jobs early on, and later worked for the Elmhurst Post office as a clerk until retirement. Many may remember her as the friendly lady at the window, when stopping in to buy stamps or mail a package.
One of her favorite things was going to garage sales and working at estate sales with her friends. She collected many beautiful things over the years. Marion enjoyed going on trips, she would go anywhere, anytime on a weekend or longer if she could. She never said no to anything. And that carried over to everything in her life to a fault. She could never say no to anyone about anything that was asked of her. She was just too nice. Just so very nice.
Mostly, she loved spending time with her family—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all her relatives and friends. She loved being with people, and they loved being with her. She was just a pleasure to be around and always up for a fun time, had a great wit and sense of humor, loved to laugh and always smiling.
Marion loved all animals and taught us to treat them ALL with respect and kindness (even the smallest of mice). We are an animal loving family largely because of her. She often would carry a bug outside rather than step on it. She was a kind, kind soul, and we learned from her. Hopefully, we will keep a bit of her in ourselves as we live our lives.
She really enjoyed all the holidays, decorating her home for each one and often baking desserts for those around her (she was an excellent baker). It gave her so much pleasure in giving gifts. She was a giver, so very thoughtful and loving.
Marion was preceded in death by her husband Oscar, her brothers Wilbur Gerhardt (Willy) and Richard Gerhardt (Dicky), and her son-in-law Ken Johnson.
Marion is survived by her beloved children, Kristie Johnson, and Valerie Karth (Karl). Her grandchildren, Ken Johnson, Etta (Dan)Karth Lewer, Kelsi Johnson, Kourtney (Justin)Lewandowski, and Griffin Karth. Her great-grandchildren, Haley Parker, Addie, Isla, and Olive Lewandowski.
She is also survived by two caring sisters-in-law, Carol Gerhardt, and Gale Hollinger and has always held much love for her nieces and nephews, Jim (Gayle) Gerhardt, Paul Gerhardt, Mickey Gerhardt, Sue (Rob) Held, Mark (Jill) Gerhardt, Julie (Jim)Valentino, and all of their children.
Marion was a loving, thoughtful, kind, gentle, selfless, and caring person, and her gracious and generous spirit will be missed by all that knew her.
Memorial visitation was held on Saturday Nov 11, 2023 at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL.
For information call 630-834-1133.
