Macken Funeral Home
Theodore "Ted" R. Hein passed away peacefully at Homestead of Rochester with his family near, on April 24, 2021, at the age of 94. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 71 years, his "isn't she beautiful" Germaine as well as his children, Mike (Chris) of Merillan, WI, Marilyn (Steve) Peltier of Minneapolis, MN and Pete (Darcy) of Zumbro Falls, MN. His blue eyes lit up proudly whenever asked about his family of 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Ted, born in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Eugene and Esther (Zuepke) Hein on February 11, 1927. He was a 3 sport high school athlete, graduated from Marshfield High School in 1944 and enlisted immediately into the Army Air Force where he served as a control tower operator bringing the troops safely home at the end of WWII. He married his forever love, Germaine Frieda Dohm on Aug 10, 1949 and was "The Big Guy" to Germaine to the very end.
Ted graduated from UW Stout in 1952, earning a degree in Industrial Arts Education, while playing football all four years, along with being married and raising his first son. He was an active member of FOB and Epsilon PI Tau National Honorary Fraternity.
Following graduation, Ted taught high school at Plymouth, WI and soon after was hired by IBM for his electrical expertise. He had a 31 year career with IBM which brought him to Kingston, NY, Madison WI, and finally Rochester, MN in 1965 where he raised his family and finished his career. He closed his professional circle, returning to Stout to teach electrical engineering for two years before retiring in 1989.
Ted's love for the outdoors and water drew him to lake life, first with a cabin in Menomonie, WI and later a year round home on Lake Zumbro where he was active in the Rochester Waterski Club as well as willingly teaching anyone who asked to waterski.
Retirement brought Ted and Germaine to Deer Creek Golf community in Davenport FL, where they were active in every aspect of Florida golf living for nearly 30 years and where they made life-long dear friendships. Summers brought them back to Lake Zumbro every year.
Throughout Ted's life he gave back to both civic and faith communities holding active and leadership roles in the Jaycees, Lion's Club, Rochester Waterski Club, IBM Quarter Century Club, CCD Family Life, "Give the Kids The World" and board of directors of Stout Alumni Club. He was a devout Catholic and felt his second home was St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa, MN serving many fundraising roles.
Ted's final years were spent in the wonderful Homestead of Rochester senior community where he loved and was loved dearly by all who cared for him. The family wishes to thank the staff for their extraordinary kindness they have shown to him and our family as well as the tender care provided by Mayo Hospice.
A celebration of Ted's life will take place at a later time. If you would like to honor Ted's memory, please consider donations to St. Peter and Paul Catholic church of Mazeppa, MN or Give The Kids The World (gktw.org).
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Marshfield News-Herald
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