Obituary of Richard M. Hinebaugh

Richard M. Hinebaugh, lifelong resident of Brookfield, died on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at the Care-Age of Brookfield at the age of 93 years. He was born on January 23, 1921, a son of Richard L. and Hazel M. Hinebaugh. He married the love of his life Esther F. Stelter on December 10, 1940. Richard worked on the Milwaukee Road as a locomotive Hostler, Fireman and Engineer. He was a machinist with Kearny & Trecker and retired from AO Smith after 25 years of service. His lifelong interest in trains both model and full-size steam locomotives lead him to be one of the founding members of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum of North Freedom, WI and later started his own railroad, the Kettle Moraine Railway in North Lake, WI. Richard and Esther in conjunction with family members and volunteers operated the Kettle Moraine Railway from 1972 to fall of 2001.Throughout the last 60 years of his life, Richard was responsible for preserving and restoring over 40 pieces historic railway equipment from the upper Midwest. He was very proud of his locomotive, the "number 9", a 1901 locomotive he had rescued from Idaho in the 1960's. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He is lovingly remember by his daughters, Barbara (Carl) Ulrich, Linda (John) Tobin, Carol Butler and Elaine Morris; grandchildren, Lara (Bret) Warchol, Steven (Linda) Butler, Sherri Butler, Evan, Caitlin and Ian Morris, and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Butler Galian and Nadia Butler. He is further survived by other relatives and friends. Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Esther F. Hinebaugh and his parents and sister The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.