Lucas A. Hinrichs, 28, formerly of Dickinson, died of natural causes on Thursday, May 6, 2010 in Fountain Hills, Ariz. A memorial service for Lucas will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2010, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson, with Rev. Lisa Lewton officiating.

Luke was born March 19, 1982 the first of two children to Mark and Sandee Hinrichs. From an early age on, Luke had a sense of curiosity, creativity, and courageousness. With the twinkle in his eye, captivating smile, laugh, great sense of humor, and friendly personality, he won the hearts of many. When his little sister Rachael came along, he took a special liking to her. From the first day, he was the “big brother” and made sure she knew it. Rachael (also known as “Scraun” by her brother) was teased and coaxed into performing mischievous acts on his behalf; it was called “brotherly love.” As a young child, Luke learned how to snow ski and remained active in this, enjoying time with his family and friends at Big Sky Ski Resort. In school, he was active in sports and especially took a keen liking to hockey. His talent and passion for the sport was passed down to Rachael who followed his example and was a successful player too. With his grandfather purchasing the family cabin in the Beartooth Mountains, this soon became the family’s summer vacation spot. Luke took an immediate interest in this newfound venture. From wild life, mountain scenery, repair projects on the cabin, spending time with family, four wheeling, shooting firearms, and the overall serenity of the mountains, Luke treasured these moments. Along with enjoying the mountain life, Luke shared a special interest in his grandfather’s lake cabin and this too brought tranquility and happy family memories.

Reminiscing with his grandfather over WWII memorabilia prompted Luke’s interest in antique airplanes. Passed down from Luke’s grandfather and father is the hobby of possessing firearms and shooting at the range. His interest started at a young age and carried throughout his life. This was a way he and his father spent time together and continued a family tradition. During Luke’s high school years, he became interested in metal and the creative items that could be made from this product. Purchasing a welder, he experimented in the garage day and night making his parents and grandparents an array of items to be treasured. His passion for metalworking continued after graduating from high school and led him to pursue an education in engineering. Luke graduated from Dickinson High School in 2000 and following, he continued his education curriculum at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, majoring in engineering. Following college, Luke sought employment at Reiter Welding and then Steffes Corporation, initially using his expertise in welding and progressing into a tool and die programmer/coordinator. Recently, he was working on Ferrari’s and other exotic motor vehicles in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Luke had a vast interest in a variety of things, which coincides with his curious and creative personality. He found an interest in airplanes, tractors, motor vehicles (in fact, his first spoken word was “car”), four wheelers, motorcycles, restoration projects, radio control cars and trucks, metal craft, and mechanics.

Luke was so knowledgeable in so many things it is difficult to narrow down his one area of expertise and this is what sets him apart from others. So many family members have been touched by Luke’s life extending from the mountain memories with cousins, hobbies and interests with his father, mother’s cooking and time spent together, sister’s love, grandfather’s sausage making to Grammie’s care packages, everyone has special memories to hold onto. Luke passed away of natural causes in Fountain Hills, Arizona on May 6, 2010.

Precious memories are what we have of each other and are most important in helping each of us move forward and carry on the spirit and livelihood from within Luke that captured our hearts. As stated by Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” One never expects such demise but we must trust and know that God has a purpose for each of us. Luke, many of us have spent countless hours watching over and guiding you through life. We ask that you now have peace and watch over us, keep us on course using your gentle loving and caring ways until we meet again. We love you.

Luke was diagnosed with diabetes at the young age of 3. This was a difficult situation and remained a struggle for him throughout his life. Because of this, the family requests that memorials be made directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of Lucas Hinrichs.