Erwin J. Hein

ERWIN JULIUS HEIN June 18, 1931 ~ November 28, 2016 Erwin J. Hein, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2016. Erwin was born June 18, 1931 in Pine River, Minnesota. He was one of 12 children in the Hein family. The family moved to Camas, Washington in his high school years, and he graduated from Camas High School. Erwin served two years in the Marine Corps, and came back to work in the Camas Paper Mill for 44 years. He met his wife, Irene, and they married in 1956. Erwin and Irene raised three children at the home they built in Camas. After his retirement, he and Irene eventually moved from the family home to assisted living facilities, first in Vancouver, WA, then later in Lacey, WA to be nearer to their children. They were devoted to each other for over sixty years until Irene's death in September 2016. Erwin loved his family dearly. Every year, he and Irene would take the kids on some vacation adventure around the country. He loved to watch sports, and was an avid Seattle Mariners fan. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, and loved to take them to the park or swimming pool when they visited. Erwin loved talking about the weather, and kept track of temperature and rainfall with a small weather station in his backyard. He also enjoyed geography, studying maps from around the country, and could tell you facts about location, elevation, and other tidbits from all sorts of places. Erwin was devoted to his Lord, Jesus Christ, and to his family. He attended St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, Washington, and was active in ministry there, serving wherever he was needed. In later years, Erwin and Irene led devotions at the Highland Terrace Retirement Home. While Parkinson's disease eventually took its course with Erwin's physical abilities, he never lost his devotion to Christ. He continued to read his Bible, do daily devotionals, attend church, and sing hymns until his very last day. Erwin was a wonderful example of Christian devotion and service to his family, his Church, and his community throughout his life. He is survived by his children, Paul (Gail) Hein, Marie (Matt) Koehler, and John (Therese) Hein; his eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his brothers, Martin and Hugo Hein; and his sisters, Hilda Hagen, Emma Naffin, and Mildred Kuschel. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 9, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. A light luncheon will follow, with a short graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal. Please sign Erwin's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Erwin J. Hein

June 18, 1931 - November 28, 2016