Obituaries : Randall Dean Hinrichs

Randall Dean Hinrichs, age 68, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, his worldly struggles complete and his path to the next life clear.

Randy was born in White Sands, New Mexico and spent his youth across Illinois, North Dakota, Texas and Iowa as his father, a beloved Lutheran minister, served churches in those states. Randy was a man of intellect, curiosity, and quiet wit. A brilliant student, he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1979, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. At MIT, he was a proud and active member of the Chi Phi fraternity, serving as Beta chapter secretary until 2018. His time at MIT laid the foundation for a distinguished career in computer chip design, in which he was awarded several patents while working with some of the industry's most respected companies, including Digital Equipment Corporation, Honeywell, and Hewlett-Packard in the Boston area. He lived in Nashua, New Hampshire for many years. In November 2020, he moved to Cary, North Carolina to be closer to family.

Randy was a man of many interests. He was an avid stamp and coin collector, and a devoted music aficionado, always eager to share his latest finds or obscure musical knowledge with those lucky enough to know him well. His brilliant mind and dry sense of humor left a lasting impression on friends, colleagues, and family alike. He was a huge sports fan and loved the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins. He tolerated the Patriots. 

Randy was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Bertrand Hinrichs and Janet Hinrichs of Vinton, IA. He is survived by his sister Paula Hinrichs Hansen (husband John) of Cary, NC, brother Steve Hinrichs of Des Moines, IA and nieces Mackenzie Gingerich (husband Jake) of Knoxville, TN, Hilary Hinrichs (husband PJ) of Brooklyn, NY and Molly Hansen (husband Garrett) of Durham, NC and nephew Bryan Hansen of Cary, NC. 
Randy was a brilliant, funny, kind person who will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him.

A funeral service will be held at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th St, Vinton, Iowa) on  Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Huntington's Disease Society of America and/or  WCRB Classical, his favorite classical music station in Boston.

Online condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com