Leslie “Les” Vern Hinrichs
Leslie Vern “Les” Hinrichs, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at his home in Shevlin, Minnesota, surrounded by the love of his family.
Services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
Born on July 10, 1946, in Shevlin, Minnesota, Les was the son of Dick and Marie (Wilson) Hinrichs. He grew up on the family farm along the Clearwater River in Dudley Township, attended Riverview District #39 Country School, and graduated from Bagley High School in 1964.
After graduation, Les worked with his father constructing grain elevators throughout the Midwest before answering the call to serve his country. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His military service remained a source of lifelong pride. During his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Heroism, two Bronze Star Medals, and the Purple Heart in recognition of his courage, sacrifice, and dedicated service to his country.
On January 29, 1970, Les married Sandra Emery. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others, sharing more than 56 years of love and devotion. They were blessed with three children, Gregg, Jeff, and Kelly.
Following his military service, Les worked as a logger until his retirement. Retirement did not slow him down. He found a new purpose by volunteering countless hours and driving thousands of miles to ensure fellow veterans could attend their VA medical appointments. For his extraordinary commitment, he received the 7,500 Hour Award for volunteer service and two Citations for Meritorious Service from the American Legion. It was a quiet act of service that reflected the kind of man he was—dependable, generous, and always willing to help those who had served alongside him.
Les believed deeply in giving back to his community. He was a dedicated member and Past Commander of American Legion Post #16 and served on the Dudley Township Board for many years. Whether serving his country, supporting his community, or helping a fellow veteran, Les lived a life defined by honor, humility, and selfless service.
Les is survived by his loving wife, Sandra (Emery) Hinrichs; his children, Gregg, Jeff (Nichole) and Kelly Hinrichs; bonus son, Jeff Olson; five granddaughters; five grandsons; numerous great-grandchildren; his sisters, Elaine Hanson, Carol Hendricks, and Sandi (Dale) Malterud; his brother, Wayne (Becky) Hinrichs; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Delores Johnson & June Ward; his brother, Daryl Hinrichs; brothers-in-law, Melvin Johnson, Gary Ward, Ronnie & Jerry Emery and Paul Lundberg.
Les will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his humble nature, his unwavering devotion to his family, his dedication to his fellow veterans, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met without expecting anything in return. His life was one of service—to his country, his family, and his community—and his legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com