Reverend William Kansier Hein, 86, entered his eternal rest peacefully with family members at home in West Bend, WI on November 21, 2014. He was born April 4, 1928 in Oconto, WI to Otto & Ruth (Kansier) Hein. He was adopted into God's family of believers through the waters of Holy Baptism. He attended school and was confirmed at St Peter Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, WI on March 29,1942.
He graduated from the Prep Department of Northwestern College in Watertown, WI in 1946 and received his Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Northwestern College in 1950. In 1954 he received his Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. He spent his vicar year at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, WI where he met Ruth Nordlie. They were married on June 19, 1954 at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church.
His first call in 1954 was to serve Lutheran churches in Faith and Dupree, South Dakota. He subsequently was called and served Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua WI and First Lutheran Church in Woodruff, WI from 1956-1966, Trinity Lutheran in Caledonia, WI from 1966-1976, and Grace Lutheran Church in Muskegon, MI from 1976 to 1990. In semi-retirement from 1990-1993, he served various ministries with Michigan Lutheran Seminary, St Paul's Lutheran Church, and the local nursing homes in Saginaw, MI. Following retirement in 1993, they moved to Watertown, WI where he taught weekly Bible classes and baptized prisoners at Jefferson County Jail for 20 years until his health failed.
He directed and/or sang in numerous church choirs, most recently singing with the St Mark's Lutheran Church Chorale in Watertown. He served as a volunteer fireman in Minocqua.
William is survived by his wife Ruth with whom he celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past summer. Four sons, David and wife Karla, Richard and wife Martha, Stephen and wife Ann, Robert and wife Carolyn. Grandchildren: Joshua and wife Kinsey, Kevin, Katie, Eric, Jacob (fiancée Kelly), Matthew, Emily, Rachel, Laura, Isaiah, and Luke. Sister Adrienne Webb and husband Bob, sister-in-law Lila Nordlie. Also many nieces, nephews and friends.
We are thankful for the loving care provided by Marquardt Hospice of Watertown, WI, Visiting Angels, and Cedar Bay Hospice of West Bend.
His funeral service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI on Saturday December 6th at 1:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. He will be buried in the family cemetery at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Watertown, Luther Preparatory School, or the charity of your choice.
Revelation 2:10: tells us: Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.