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Kenneth Edward Hein passed away on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Ken (Kenny as his family called him), was born on Sept. 18, 1929, the second child of Walter and Mabel Hein, in Dunnell, Minnesota. His early years were spent on the family farm. Then in 1943 the family moved to California and settled in Long Beach. Ken graduated from Jordan High School in 1947. A while after graduation, Ken went to work at Norris Industries, where he spent over 40 years as a maintenance electrician. In 1951, he went into the Army and was awarded a Purple Heart while serving in the Korean Conflict.
While in the Army he was introduced to his future wife, Pat Wright, via family and friend connection. They wrote letters to each other and that is how their love story began. They were married in 1953 and had two daughters, Janet and Judi. Ken and Pat lived in South Gate, California until they retired and moved to Globe, Arizona in 1993. Once they settled in, not only did they have dogs, but Ken was able to adopt a horse, “Doc,” and they enjoyed riding in the countryside. Ken also took care of feeding the cows on the adjacent property, even naming each one of them.
Ken was always a hard worker and willing to lend a hand when needed. He was involved with the Gila County Historical Museum, the Gila Community Food Bank, and Globe Lions Club. Ken and Pat were lifelong Methodists, belonging to the Claypool church first and then St. Paul’s in Globe.
Ken spent the last eight years of his life with his dear friend, Caryl Erb. They enjoyed a special friendship after having both lost their respective mates a few years apart. The Heins and Erbs met at church in 1993 and became great friends.
Ken is survived by his daughters, Janet Nichols and Judith Limon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Hein, and his family. His final resting place will be at Rose Hills Cemetery in California. A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor in Globe, at a date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Gila County Historical Museum, the Gila Community Food Bank, or the Globe Lions Club.
The family is being assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe, www.BulmanMiles.com.
