John ‘Jack’ Hines
May 15, 1936 — March 13, 2026
Ellsworth
John “Jack” Jerome Hines, age 89, a lifelong resident of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Jack was born on May 15, 1936, in Ellsworth, Wisconsin to Richard and Doris (Langer) Hines. He was raised on the family farm in the Lost Creek area east of Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1954 as an honor student. He was baptized at Lost Creek Catholic Church. As a young man, he enlisted in the Armed Forces, where he proudly served in the United States Army and later the Reserves.
Jack met his high school sweetheart, Shirley Marlene Finstad at the Pierce County Fair through 4-H. On December 29, 1955, he walked down the aisle and joyfully said “I do” at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. They were blessed with nine children and shared more than 64 years of marriage.
In 1966, he graduated from Reisch College of Auctioneering and began a highly successful and rewarding career as an auctioneer. Known to many as “Colonel” Jack Hines, he founded Hines Auction Service, Inc. in the 1960s. “Let Jack Do It!” What began as a small family venture grew into one of the premier auction firms in the Midwest, specializing in farms, machinery, antiques, and real estate. For more than 54 years, Jack was a respected and recognizable voice at auctions throughout the region. The family business, located on County Road C in Ellsworth, continues today with his son Jeff. Jack was widely recognized for his contributions to the auction profession. He served as president and in many other leadership roles within the Auctioneers Association both State and Nationally and spent more than 50 years as an instructor at the World Wide College of Auctioneering. In 1997, he was inducted into the prestigious Auctioneer Hall of Fame and named Auctioneer of the Year, recognized for more than 60 years of service. He also served the National Auction Association for over 50 years, including service on both its board of directors and foundation board.
In addition to auctioneering, Jack served the community for 40 years in the insurance industry with Farmers Mutual, now American Family Insurance, beginning in 1958. Jack’s dedication led to recognition for top sales with American Family and his induction into their Hall of Fame.
Jack’s dedication to Ellsworth and Pierce County was unmatched. He was deeply involved in civic life, helping organize Ellsworth’s 100th, 125th, and 150th anniversary celebrations and initiating the community’s Fourth of July celebration. For more than 50 years, he volunteered with the Pierce County Fair, serving as a parade announcer, 4-H auctioneer, founding member of the Friends of the Fair, and supporter of 4-H programs. Jack was also a member of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce for 60 years, serving as president and being honored as Businessperson of the Year in 1988. His commitment to the community included leading successful fundraising efforts, including the East End Park project. He helped coordinate the Centennial Celebration in 1962 as well as Fourth of July celebrations from 1987 to 2012. Moreover, he was a member of the Funsters (originally the Junior Jaycees), an active member of the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club where he served on the board of directors and as president, and a member of the Eau Galle Rush River Sportsman Club, Trimbelle Sportsman Club, Beldenville Old Car Club, and Ellsworth American Legion. He was instrumental in helping raise funds for the library expansion and many other nonprofit organizations.
Jack had a strong faith and was a devout Catholic. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree and served his parish as an usher, lector, Eucharistic minister, and money counter. In recognition of his lasting impact on the community, Jack was an inaugural inductee into the Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame.
Jack’s voice, generosity, and commitment to family and community helped shape Ellsworth for generations, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. He genuinely loved everyone and helped because he wanted to, not because he felt obligated. He wanted to share his God-given talents. And if you knew Jack, you most definitely bought some tickets from him – even though “he only had just one left.” If he wasn’t out supporting our local organizations, he always loved to go to the cabin on Big Round Lake near Balsam Lake to wet a line and catch a few sunnies. He also made sure the birds and squirrels were well fed.
Jack is survived by his children, Joanne (Scott) Hines, Jeff (Merry) Hines, John Hines (Jane White), Jillien (Brian) Bjorkman, and Janeen Sampson (Jeff Marx); 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Darlyne Huppert, Judy Northrup, Mary Jean (David) Raasch, Gary (Shelly) Hines, Greg (Nancy) Hines, Darrell (Cathy) Hines, Patty Jo (Alton) Collins and Dick (Kris) Hines. Sisters-in-law Pam Hines & Diane Hines along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, who died just four months prior to their 65th anniversary; his parents and parents- in-law; four infant sons (Jason, Jonathan, James, and Joshua); infant grandson, Jonathan Bjorkman; brothers David, Daniel, Kenneth & Roger Hines, brothers-in-law Raymond Huppert and Calvin Langer, sister-in-law Kathy Finstad, along with some nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Jack Hines will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. There will not be a visitation prior to the Mass. Officiating will be Fr. Sam McCarty and Fr. David Olson. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will also be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, at Ptacek’s Old Event Center in Prescott. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.
