PLOVER — Pastor Howard Hintzman of the United Methodist Church of Plover and Stevens Point is retiring from on June 30, after 41 years in ministry in Wisconsin.

During that time he served congregations at Trempealeau United Methodist Church (4 years), at Grace and Our Master’s Churches in Beloit (6 years), First United Methodist Church in Kenosha (5 years), and Peoples’ United Methodist Church in Oregon.

Hintzman is a native of northwest Wisconsin.  He grew up on a dairy farm outside of Menomonie.  He and his wife Julie Holmberg Hintzman married in 1974 and have two children, Matthew and Rachel.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities.

“I very much found enjoyment and satisfaction in ministering to people in times of great need,” said Hintzman. “I also greatly enjoyed working with older adults, listening to their stories, hearing their stories of faith, and laughing with them.”

When it comes to what people would remember Hintzman for the most, he hopes it would be for the most basic and joyful of human emotions — laughter and comfort.

“…that I knew how to laugh. That I helped push congregations into places of comfort. That I encouraged people to stretch their faith and their understanding.”

Hintzman looks towards retirement now, as he has his children, family, and a trip to Africa in his sights. He also wishes to be involved in community issues.

“I have found it to be a privilege to serve in the way God has led me,” said Hintzman. “I am especially grateful to my family who seldom complained about our weird schedules, and the limitations my career sometimes put on their lives.  They made life so much easier.  I am glad for the ways humor was helpful along the way and apologetic for the ways it may not have built up people.”