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IRON RIVER -- Daniel Charles Hinch, 73, formerly of Iron River, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at his home in Marquette.
He was born on Nov. 23, 1952, in Bessemer Township, the son of the late Reino and Eila (Ollikainen) Hinch. He attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating from West Iron County High School with the Class of 1971. Dan attended Suomi College and earned an associate degree in 1973. He then graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Dan married Joan Gurchinoff on Nov. 2, 1985, at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stambaugh. The couple made their home in Stambaugh and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2025.
He was employed as a legal assistant for John L. Harrison prior to retiring. As a legal assistant in the last 15 years of his career, Dan helped countless people in their darkest days navigate the complex world of estate planning and walk out the door with a peace of mind that their affairs and family would be taken care of.
Dan was a faithful member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iron River, where he served as treasurer. He was a proud member of the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame Council and loved to meet and help honor the Upper Peninsula's finest athletes. He served as treasurer for the West Iron Athletic Booster Club and was a long-time contributor to West Iron County Athletics. Dan was the first president and a founding member of the West Iron County Wall of Fame Committee, where he took great pride in honoring the community’s former athletes and contributors.
Dan was a lifetime member of the Iron County Historical and Museum Society, where he served as a past secretary and volunteer. He was also president of the Recreation Association of Iron County, served on the U.P. State Fair Authority as Iron County's representative, and Iron County and City of Iron River Parks and Recreation Commissions.
Dan and his family enjoyed traveling and skiing together, enjoying many trips out West during spring breaks and various other locations around the country. He also enjoyed hiking, camping, biking, skiing, spending time with friends and family, and going to concerts. Dan loved going for walks and being out in nature as often as he could, no matter the season.
Dan is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Brian (Sarah) Hinch of Marquette; Brian's mother-in-law, Gloria Byrnes of Marquette; granddaughter Lela Rae; sister Leanne Couchene of Escanaba; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Liebenow to officiate.
Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.
A special thank you to Dan's careworkers: Mary, Bonnie, Juline, Brenda, Karen, Laurie, Tammy; and his careworkers from Marquette Home Care. You cared for him and my mom with such love, grace, and compassion during his fight with Glioblastoma and we are eternally grateful for the support that was provided.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Daniel C. Hinch online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.