Christopher R. Hinkfuss, age 50, of Green Bay, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack, Monday, January 25, 2016. He was born December 1, 1965 in Green Bay, the youngest of six children of William and Rosemary (Walsh) Hinkfuss. Chris attended St. Mary of the Angels Grade School and graduated from Premontre High School in 1983. Chris then attended UW-Madison from where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working for five years in sales with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, first in Milwaukee and then Chicago, Chris followed his father and two brothers to law school. He earned his law degree from UW-Madison Law School in 1995. Upon graduation, he moved back to Green Bay where he has practiced with the Hinkfuss, Sickel, Petitjean, Whiting law firm since graduation.

During his 20 years of practicing law, Chris emphasized trial work and criminal law as well as many other areas of the law. Overriding any particular law specialty, however, was his deep desire to help all individuals, especially those whom he believed to be most in need. He was also an active member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice, the Robert J. Parins Inns of Court, the Wisconsin Bar Association and the Brown County Bar Association. Chris not only served the legal community, he helped the wider community. He was a former member of the United Way Contribution Committee, the Olde Main Street Bid Board in Green Bay and a legal volunteer for the Commission on Aging. In addition, he was a co-recipient of the 2011 Most Charitable Business Award from the Hmong 18 Council of Wisconsin.

Besides being an outstanding attorney, the primary staple of Chris’ life was his family and friends. He especially cherished his nieces and nephews and prioritized spending time and recognizing special occasions with and for them. He rarely missed a graduation or family party, passed up a friendly game of football with the kids and siblings or a friendly wager on the golf course. If a family member or friend were in town, Chris was there to greet them and made sure they felt at home. A lifelong Packer fan and longtime season ticket holder, Chris thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the statewide sports teams.

Chris had an amazing ability to connect with people, whatever their personalities or walks of life. While on this Earth, he did not squander his time—he possessed a love of life and adventure, creating fun and memories wherever he went. He left us far too young—he still had much life to live and much life to give. We will dearly miss his joyful spirit and all of us are richer for Chris’ presence among us and poorer for his passing.

Chris is survived by his parents, William and Rosemary Hinkfuss; 5 siblings: Eileen (Preston) Long, Timothy (Kathy) Hinkfuss, Paul (Sally) Hinkfuss, Mary (Andy) Collins and Anne (David) Perkins; his significant other, Sandy Vang; 6 nieces: Sarah (Ryan) Zampardo and Katie Hinkfuss; Caitlin Long, Madde and Marie Hinkfuss and Molly Perkins; 3 nephews: Alex Long, Andrew Hinkfuss and Michael Hinkfuss; aunts, Ruth (Mike) Bruin and Helen Hinkfuss; uncle, Daniel (Enrite) Hinkfuss and many other relatives and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay) on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 4 to 7:30 PM with a prayer service at 7:30PM. Visitation will continue at ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS (645 S. Irwin St., Green Bay), Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 9 AM to 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11AM with Rev. David Komatz, O. Praem presiding with Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., homolist.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to Literacy Green Bay (www.literacygreenbay.org/#!memorials-and-tributes/c1gf) or other charity of your choice in Chris’s name are appreciated.

Chris’ family would like to thank Chris’ many friends, colleagues and acquaintances who have bestowed our family with their love and support.

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