MITCHELL — Russell Edward “Russ” Hintz, 76, of Mitchell, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Russ was born July 9, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, and later graduated from Osage High School in 1967. He went on to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, graduating in 1971, the same year he married Dorene Bower at Faith Lutheran Church in Mitchell.
Russ spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, beginning in 1971 as a police officer in Stacyville. He joined the Osage Police Department in 1974, then became a deputy sheriff with the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office in 1977. He served there until his retirement in 2009, building a career marked by public service and dedication to the communities of Mitchell County.
Away from work, Russ loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and time along the river, especially with his son, Bryan. He and Dorene also spent many weekends camping with close family friends.
Family was central to Russ’s life. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed attending their sporting events, celebrating their accomplishments and sharing his love of hunting and fishing with them. In later years, he also enjoyed morning coffee with friends at the Kountry Kupboard.
Russ is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorene Hintz of Mitchell; his children, Jennifer Fangmeier of Osage, Bryan Hintz of Nora Springs, Amy Halbach of Osage and Brad Dunshee of Osage; his grandchildren; his sister, Karen Norton of Rudd; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Hintz and Dorothy Neumann; his stepfather, Robert Neumann; his stepmother, Lucille Hintz; and his brother, Randy Hintz.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Osage Cemetery in Osage. A Celebration of Life will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Osage Public Safety Center, 432 Main Street in Osage.
Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel of Osage is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.