Karl E. Hein found eternal peace in death on September 3 at the age of 92. He was born to Emma and Ernest Hein on December 11, 1913 in Streator, Illinois; his life unfolded to reflect the events of the 20th century. During the depression Karl temporarily left high school to help support his family, riding the rails to California and taking on odd jobs along the way. An Olympic-class runner, his track record at Northern Illinois University stood for 25 years. After earning his masters degree in mathematics at Northwestern University, Karl taught math and then enlisted in the Navy and commanded a landing craft in the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He then became a metallurgist, retiring for the last time at age 80. For 63 years Karl was the loving husband of Beatrice Nelson who preceded him in death, and they raised three daughters in Rockford, Illinois, where he immersed himself in family, work, community, and church activities. Karl welcomed many new members to St. Mark Lutheran Church where he was a charter member. His lifelong curiosity of the world extended to math, science, and geography. Karl found his greatest joy in family. His survivors include daughters Karol (Robert) Karlblom, Kathleen (Stephen) Samuelson, and Kristen Hein (Larry Pendzich), eight grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. His life will be celebrated at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois, on Thursday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m., visitation at 9:30 a.m. before the service, with Pastor Mark Hagen officiating. Memorials may be given to St. Mark Lutheran Church.
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