Herbert E. Hein


Herbert E. Hein, 91, of Benton Harbor went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, at Caretel Inns of Lakeland.  At his bedside were his sister Aneita and her husband.

A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Colfax and Kline avenues, Benton Harbor, with Rev. Jeremy Laitinen officiating.  Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor, with graveside military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.  Those wishing to sign Herbert's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Herbert was born Sept. 29, 1920, in Benton Harbor to John and Cornelia (Miller) Hein.  Herbert graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1938.  Immediately after graduation he was employed as a printer for the Burch Printing Company.  In 1938 he went to the Milo Bennet linotype school in Ohio, where he learned the trade of linotype operator.  He returned to work at The Herald Press in St. Joseph as a linotyper and two years later transferred to the News-Palladium in Benton Harbor.

In October 1942, after passing all examinations, he qualified to become a Navy Air Cadet, and in February 1943 he then enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  In the military he attended Pre-Flight and Control Tower Operator's School and served at many different cities in the United States.

While serving during World War II, Herbert flew PB Y's and later became an air traffic controller.  In the Navy Herbert earned the following awards: American Area Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Herbert was honorably discharged in March of 1946 as Specialist Y Second Class.  He returned to his job at the Herald-Palladium as a linotype operator, typesetter, and staff photographer and retired after 40 years of service.

Herbert was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, where he served on the church board in every capacity except treasurer for many years.  He was also a Sunday School teacher, member of the men's chorus, mixed choirs and member of the young adult club. Herbert, in 1920, was the first baby to be baptized in the new church as it stands today.

On June 1, 1950, he married Anna E. Peck at St. Matthew's and they were married for 51 years.  Herbert was a dedicated, willing worker for the church and the day school.  Herbert gave unselfishly of his time and talents to keep the church and day school in good working order; all one had to do is call and he was there.  In 1987 a devastating fire destroyed the sanctuary of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.  Herbert could be found volunteering countless hours doing anything to restore the church so that the congregation could worship there once more.  Herbert attended church faithfully.  He could be found sitting in his pew with a rose in the lapel of his sport coat every Sunday.

Herbert was a member of the Twin Cities Camera Club for 50 years and won numerous awards for his photography.  He was chairman of the "Travel and Adventure" series for 34 years.  Herbert held many offices in The Twin City Camera Club including president, publicity director and vice president.  He was selected as Camera Club's Man of the Year in 1979.  Herbert was an avid photographer with numerous award-winning prints to his credit.  Because of his love of photography, Anna and Herbert became worldwide travelers.  Herbert was also chairman of the board and president of the Michigan Leica Camera Club of Kalamazoo.

He was organizer and a member of the Competitive Crescent Roller Skating Club at the Central Docks in Benton Harbor.  Herbert and Anna traveled and competed in many competitions in many states.  They were a couple to watch as they danced on their roller skates at these events.

Herbert is survived by his sisters, Aneita (Donald "Bud") Mummaw of Benton Harbor, and Eda Keller of Watervliet and 10 nieces and nephews.

Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Anna in 2002, his parents and two sisters, Olga Morris and Linda Duncan.

Herbert has departed this life to go to his eternal home in heaven.  He will be dearly missed on this earth by his family, church family and friends.  Herbert is now with the Lord, healthy and at peace.  Herbert will be celebrating the most glorious Christmas ever.  To God be the Glory, great things he has done.


 

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