07/30/2026
Going forward we will try to acknowledge our parishioners that have passed away. May Tom rest in peace.
Mr. Thomas “Tom” Rodney Hinz, 75, of Pontiac, IL, formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by family at his home.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Duffy Baier Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 West Custer Ave., Pontiac, IL 61764. At 6:30, family & friends are welcome to share their favorite stories about Tom. Funeral services will begin with visitation from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 119 East Howard Street, Pontiac, IL 61764. Mass will follow at 12 p.m. also at the church. Interment will be held at a future date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pontiac, Il.
Tom was born on June 22, 1951, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Jack and Agnes (Smith) Hinz. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School where he met some of his lifelong friends and future wife. In 1969, Tom graduated from Maquoketa High School where he made many fond memories. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
On September 12, 1970, Tom married Karen (he called her “Kate”) Oestern. They moved to Germany where Tom was stationed in the Army. Although far away from their loved-ones, they quickly made treasured friends. After being honorably discharged, Tom and Kate moved back to Maquoketa to start a family. In November 1972, Tom began his career at Caterpillar Inc. in Mt. Joy, Iowa. In 1988, Tom’s job was moved to Pontiac, Illinois where he and Kate continued raising their family and making new friends. Tom retired from Caterpillar in 2020 after 47 ½ years of service.
In retirement, Tom enjoyed his two-mile walks around town, often prolonged after finding someone to talk to along the way. He was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. Tom was a carpenter and woodworker. He used those skills to remodel his homes and create beautiful gifts for others. He enjoyed sitting on his remodeled front porch with Kate, watching cars drive by their home. Tom’s love of cars began at a young age as he dreamed of owning his own Corvette. His dream came true in 2006. He enjoyed attending car shows and talking cars with just about anyone. Tom loved to tell stories spanning from his youth to just a few days ago. If you asked him what was the most important aspect of his life, he would say “My grandkids, I have 12.” He loved watching each and every one of them grow and attend their activities. His favorite moments were spent on the deck he built, watching the grandkids swim in his pool while hosting a family cookout.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kate; daughter Jennifer (Brad) Steidinger of Fairbury, IL; son Ryan (Amy Wellman) Hinz of Maquoketa, IA; son Tommy (Jami) Hinz of Pontiac, IL; and son Brent (Monica) Hinz of Morton, IL. His beloved grandkids Karmyn Steidinger, Alyza Steidinger, Tyler Hinz, Brody Hinz, Izzy Hinz, Evelyn Hinz, Myers Hinz, Charlotte Hinz, Nolan Hinz, Nina Hinz, Eleanor Hinz & Gwenyth Hinz. Siblings Johnny (Twyla) Hinz of Morton, IL; Gil Hinz of Dubuque, IA; Stevie (Alesha) Hinz of Odell, IL; and Diane Frandsen of Olathe, KS. In-laws Gery (Kitty) Oestern of Maquoketa, IA; and Paula (Rick) Jedlicka of Lisbon, IA. Tom is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Mildred Oestern; sister-in-law Sherry Hinz; and brother-in-law Ronnie Frandsen.
The family would like to extend a wealth of gratitude to the Pontiac Fire Department for many years of assistance; OSF Home Health, OSF Hospice, and Fresenius Kidney Care of Pontiac for their special care
these last four months.
Memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made to Pontiac Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.
