Joseph Henry Hinkes
December 06, 1930 - September 28, 2025
Obituary
MADISON - Joseph H. Hinkes was born on December 6, 1930, in Watertown, Wis. He passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 94.
Joe attended St. Francis Minor Seminary and Marquette High School, and later pursued his education at Marquette and Notre Dame Universities. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.
On March 21, 1953, Joe married Rosemary E. Strege at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Upon his discharge from the Army, he embarked on a distinguished insurance career that spanned over 45 years. He began at Bankers Life of Iowa in Watertown, Wis., where he spent 12 years, before transitioning to Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS). There, he served as Regional Sales Director for another 12 years and was honored as “Field Supervisor of the Year” in 1968. Joe then became Regional Director for Wisconsin Employers Group, where in 1982 he was recognized as “Man of the Year” by the Health Underwriters Association of Wisconsin. Subsequently he became Vice President of Marketing for DeanCare HMO. After leaving DeanCare HMO he worked for Preferred Administrative Services in Madison, and retired in 1998 from the State Medical Society.
A passionate sports enthusiast, Joe had a special love for hockey, which he played as a teenager in the 1940s. He served as President of the Southside Hockey Association, coaching youth programs and dedicating nine years as an active board member of the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA), where he received the “Distinguished Service Award” in 1998. He continued to support and cheer for his three sons and grandson throughout their hockey journeys. As a devoted fan of his four grandchildren, he often traveled to attend and support them in their various athletic and other events.
In addition to his love for sports, Joe was an avid fisherman, sharing this passion with his children and grandchildren. He cared deeply for his family and always remained eager to stay updated on their lives. Known for being a great listener, he was always ready to engage in conversation and offer career advice.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Rosemary, with whom he shared a love of gardening and travel. The couple spent many joyful years fishing and camping in northern Wisconsin with their children and grandchildren. He is survived by his three sons, Chris (Vickie Dunn), Creighton (Liz) and Joe (Ann); four grandchildren, Rachel, Travis (Mary), Liam (Sarah) and Eleanor; and his great-grandson, Owen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Gertrude; three brothers, Tom, Danny and Gerry; and daughter-in-law, Rilla Hinkes.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family in the future. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761