Obituary of Edward Hein

Edward Hein passed away on Thursday, March 31st, 2022 at The Villa at Sunny Acres in Thornton Colorado. He was 90 years old. Ed was born August 19th, 1931, the fourth of seven siblings born to John and Alice Hein. His three older siblings, Ester Mae (Nelson) Hein, Irene E. (Mollendor) Hein, and Raymond M. Hein were born in Windsor Colorado. Ed, along with his three younger brothers, Ruben M. Hein, John J. Hein, and Dave Hein were born in Denver Colorado. After deciding high school was not for him, Ed lied about his age to enlist in the United States Army where he served his country as a Medic on the front lines of the Korean war. Ed was in the thick of things being exposed to the atrocities of war and witness to unspeakable carnage. From this he learned to plow forward without looking back refusing to speak to his experience in Korea. Only in his last years would he hint at the devastating impact his war experiences had on his life . After receiving numerous medals for his service and an honorable discharge Ed returned stateside where he met and married the love of his life, Nathalie Nadine (Smith) Hein, better known as "Bonnie". They were united in marriage on September 2nd, 1955 and made their home in Commerce City CO. To this union four children were born. Edward Gail Hein (Eddie), Julie Ann Hein, Brenda Kay Hein, and Terry Lee Hein. Together, the family went on many fishing trips and memorable outdoor excursions as Ed cemented his reputation for spontaneous adventures. The fishing bug might bite Ed at any day or hour and Bonnie learned how to put things in order on the fly and pack with their creature comforts and hearty appetites in mind. The love of the outdoors and the hope of one more fishing trip would remain with Ed right up till the end. Always hoping something could make the stars align to make one last trip possible. Nothing but the love of family could compare. Sadly, on September 28th, 2013 at the age of 82 Bonnie lost her long and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer's disease leaving Ed as patriarch of the family and ultimately the sole survivor of his generation. It was a position he had not contemplated or prepared for but one he filled admirably. The family came to depend on Eds calm demeanor and genuine concern for each of us as we dealt with whatever random crisis life had in store for us. For his steadfast loyalty and tireless devotion to his wife and his family Ed has earned our utmost respect and a well deserved rest. Ed was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion, and the VFW. Ed was preceded in death by all six of his siblings and their spouses, his wife Bonnie, daughter Brenda Kay, grandson Cory Fisher, great granddaughter Rebecca Ball, and great grandson Marcus Lucero.. He is survived by his children Eddie, Julie, and Terry, their spouses, ten grand children, eighteen great grand children, and six great great grand children along with numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held Monday April 18th at the Aspen Mortuary in Commerce City. Internment will follow at Fort Logan with transportation provided by the family for all those who wish to attend the burial and full military honors as Ed is laid beside his wife in their eternal resting place.