Richard Curtis Hintz, age 85, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born on September 20, 1940, in Cloquet, Minnesota, the son of William Otto Hintz and Jennie Caroline (Skog) Hintz, and later the stepson of Fred J. Tario.

Richard, known affectionately as Dick, dedicated his professional life to music education. He taught vocal music at Kalamazoo Central High School from 1963 to 1972, and later at Otsego High School and Middle School from 1972 until his retirement in 1998. Following retirement, he continued serving in the arts as Coordinator of Fine Arts for Kalamazoo Public Schools from 2000 to 2007.

Creative from a very young age, Richard initially attended Gustavus Adolphus College with aspirations of becoming an architect. He later transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he earned a degree in vocal music education. While teaching at Kalamazoo Central High School and earning a master’s degree in music education at Indiana University, Richard met Sandra Marie Nutter. They were married on August 20, 1966, beginning a partnership of nearly six decades.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William Otto and Jennie Caroline Hintz (Skog); stepfather, Fred J. Tario of Cloquet, Minnesota; older brother, William “Bill” Marlin Hintz of Cloquet; nephews, Barry (Mary) Hintz of Esko, Minnesota and Robert B. Nutter of Jackson, Michigan; brother-in-law, Robert E. Nutter of Port Charlotte, Florida, and sister-in-law, Donnita (Will) Hahnenberg (Nutter) of Paw Paw, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Marie Hintz (Nutter); daughters, Cara Anne Hintz of Kalamazoo, Sarah Jane (John) Rau of Ann Arbor, and Julianne Marie (Jeremy) Johnson of Valencia, California; his beloved grandchildren, Boden Winn Johnson, Elijah Curtis Rau, August West Johnson, and Scarlett Olivia Marie Rau; nieces, Leslie (Dave) Douglas of Carlton, Minnesota, Carolly (Nutter) Welsh of Jackson, Michigan, and Sarah Hahnenberg of Paw Paw; and nephews, Tom Hintz (Teri Maki) of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Scott (Nancy) Hintz of McGregor, Minnesota, Jim Nutter (Phil Burgess) of Chicago, Illinois, and Palm Springs, California, Michael (Julie) Nutter of Sachse, Texas, and Thomas (Cheryl) Hahnenberg of Lake Isabella, Michigan, and Sarasota, Florida.

Richard was a force who inspired thousands of students, colleagues, and all who entered his realm. He provided for his family throughout his life and nurtured his daughters' artistic growth from their earliest years through their developing careers. A brilliant and multifaceted artist, Richard created original works through set designs, musical compositions, murals, and perpetually festive table décor for family gatherings. He even designed the home he and Sandy have lived in for the past 21½ years. A self-taught gardener and cook, he loved entertaining.

Flamboyant, boldly creative, and fiercely independent, Richard lived his life with integrity and on his own terms. He transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary and taught those around him to respect the beauty in life’s finer details.

While there will be no funeral service at this time, the family is planning a celebratory memorial concert later this year so that his family and the community can grieve and celebrate Richard’s life together. They are deeply grateful to have spent Richard’s final days by his side and thankful that he passed peacefully and without pain.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Richard C. Hintz Memorial Fund. Donations to this fund will support the memorial concert, as well as charitable contributions benefiting Otsego High School and Otsego High School vocal music students. For those wishing to make a financial contribution in honor of Mr. Hintz, please give to the Richard C. Hintz Memorial Fund included on this website under "Giving."

Thank you for helping honor a man who devoted his life to his family, his students, and all things creative. Your support means more than words can express.

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