Miriam R. Hinkes

Miriam R. Hinkes found eternal peace at 81 years old on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, surrounded by family.

Miriam was born October 14, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Joseph (Shirley) Leibrecht and mother Theda Mae Cornelius. She graduated from Juneau High School in Milwaukee and attended business college for Medical Secretary. She was working at the Wisconsin Telephone Company in Milwaukee when she met George Hinkes who became her husband in 1964. She later worked at the Watertown Hospital in the Physical Therapy department and then Orbis Corporation for a few years before retiring.

Miriam’s legacy, however, was not built through her career, but rather how she loved and served others. For many years, she participated in and organized countless church events. She contributed time, financial and other resources in every community she was a part of. Baking, gathering for holidays, celebrating birthdays, and going out to eat with friends and family is where Miriam found her joy. Her greatest achievements to her were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. There are countless testimonies from family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers that demonstrate the love and selflessness that embodied her.

Miriam is survived by her sisters Jacqueline Zeitler (Arizona), Jewel Liebrecht (Milwaukee), in laws Robert & Roseanne Wright (California) & Tim Hinkes (Appleton), children Michael Hinkes (Heidi), Lisa Proffitt (David “Mike”), Joseph Hinkes (Laura) & Linette Clifford (Kevin), grandchildren Richelle Elder (Arthur), Wesley VonRueden (Cassandra), Morgan Clifford, John Clifford, Caleb Hinkes & Ashlyn Hinkes, grandchildren by marriage Kristin Rich (Josh), Kaela Pieper (Nathan) & Nick Hartmann (Amy), 12 great grandchildren along with other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband George Hinkes, parents Joseph & Shirley Liebrecht, mother Theda Mae Cornelius-Kirby, brother Bernard Liebrecht, parents-in-law George & Leah Hinkes, sisters-in-law Mary Hickey, Nancy Glatzmeyer & Rochelle “Shelly” Hinkes, brothers-in-law Len Hickey & Heinz Zeitler, goddaughter Stephanie Wright, niece Debbie Zisky and nephew Kurt Zeitler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, July 8, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church of Watertown with Fr. David Drefcinski presiding. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home of Watertown. Visitation will also be held at St. Henry on Monday from 10:30 until the time of service at the church. Miriam will be laid to rest at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery at a later date.