Draft:Loren Martin Hintz

Loren Martin Hintz (June 1, 1945 – September 20, 2020)

Loren Martin "Marty" Hintz was an American author, journalist, and travel writer who authored over 125 books. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hintz was known for his contributions to travel and regional literature, as well as his leadership as the president of the American Travel Writers Association. He was also a prominent figure in Milwaukee's Irish American community and the founder of the Irish American Post.

Early Life and Education Loren Martin Hintz was born on June 1, 1945, in New Hampton, Iowa. He pursued his passion for journalism, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Career Hintz began his career in 1967 as an editor and reporter for the Milwaukee Sentinel. In 1975, he transitioned to freelance writing, a career during which he authored more than 125 books on topics such as cultural geography, ethnic culture, business, and regional history. Notable works include Food Lovers' Guide to Wisconsin and Wisconsin Cheese, both co-authored with his wife, Pam Percy.

In addition to his books, Hintz contributed regularly to newspapers and periodicals. For nearly 14 years, he and Percy co-wrote the "Boris and Doris on the Town" column for the Shepherd Express. His detailed and engaging style earned him a dedicated readership and a lasting legacy in travel and regional literature.

Contributions to Irish American Community Hintz was deeply involved in Milwaukee’s Irish American community. He served as the first publicist for Irish Fest, one of the largest Irish cultural festivals in the United States. In 1990, he founded the Irish American Post, which connected Irish Americans across the United States and promoted Irish culture. Hintz also hosted Irish politicians and dignitaries, fostering cultural connections between Ireland and Wisconsin.

Personal Life Hintz was married to author Pam Percy, with whom he shared a passion for writing and farming. In 2009, the couple established Pampered Produce, an organic farm on their River Hills property, where they cultivated produce and hosted farm-to-table dinners.

In addition to writing, Hintz created intricate circus dioramas, a hobby he began in his youth. His creative pursuits reflected his deep appreciation for storytelling and craftsmanship.

"Finding Loren" Documentary Hintz played a pivotal role in producing Finding Loren, a documentary about his father, 1st Lt. Loren Hintz, a fighter pilot who was killed during World War II. The film follows the family's journey to locate the crash site in Italy, ultimately recovering Lt. Hintz's remains in 2016. Although Loren Martin Hintz passed away before the film’s completion, his wife finalized the project, and it premiered on the first anniversary of his death.

Death Loren Martin Hintz passed away on September 20, 2020, at his home in Milwaukee, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Legacy Hintz’s prolific body of work and community involvement left an indelible mark on Milwaukee’s cultural landscape. In 2023, Carvd N Stone established the Loren Martin Hintz Travel Writing Scholarship to honor his contributions to journalism and travel writing.

Selected Bibliography Food Lovers' Guide to Wisconsin (co-authored with Pam Percy) Wisconsin Cheese (co-authored with Pam Percy) Irish Milwaukee A Spirited History of Milwaukee Brews & Booze

References "Marty Hintz, Prolific Storyteller and Mainstay in Irish American Community, Dies." Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/marty-hintz-prolific-storyteller-mainstay-194316234.html "Finding Loren: New Film Follows Milwaukee Family’s Effort to Recover Father Shot Down in WWII." Milwaukee Independent. https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/finding-loren-new-film-follows-milwaukee-familys-effort-recover-father-shot-wwii Obituary of Loren Martin Hintz. Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/jsonline/name/loren-hintz-obituary?id=8754194 "Remembering Marty Hintz." Shepherd Express. https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/remembering-marty-hintz "Carvd N Stone Announces Loren Martin Hintz Travel Writing Scholarship." Milwaukee Courier. https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/04/08/carvd-n-stone-announces-1000-loren-martin-hintz-travel-writing-scholarship

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References "Marty Hintz, Prolific Storyteller and Mainstay in Irish American Community, Dies." Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/marty-hintz-prolific-storyteller-mainstay-194316234.html "Finding Loren: New Film Follows Milwaukee Family’s Effort to Recover Father Shot Down in WWII." Milwaukee Independent. https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/finding-loren-new-film-follows-milwaukee-familys-effort-recover-father-shot-wwii Obituary of Loren Martin Hintz. Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/jsonline/name/loren-hintz-obituary?id=8754194 "Remembering Marty Hintz." Shepherd Express. https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/remembering-marty-hintz "Carvd N Stone Announces Loren Martin Hintz Travel Writing Scholarship." Milwaukee Courier. https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/04/08/carvd-n-stone-announces-1000-loren-martin-hintz-travel-writing-scholarship