James I. Hein

James (Jim) Hein age 86 of Merrill passed away on Monday September 4th, 2023, at his home. Jim was born in Rhinelander on October 23, 1936 to the late Irvin & Angeline (Sowinski) Hein. On January 5th 1957 he married the love of his life, Lois Boettcher. Together they had 6 children, his family being the center of his life. Dad’s life revolved around his faith, family and friends.

Jim started working at Red Dot planting and harvesting potato crop. His next job had him moving his family to Lena where he started to farm. A few years later he wanted a bigger farm and moved his family to Merrill. Once he retired from farming, he went to work for St Francis Church and School and did janitor work and helped at the Cemetery. His next adventure in the working world was to work for Trantow’s Building Supplies, there he delivered construction materials to the job site. And finally, his last job was at Merrill Memorial Park where he wanted to make sure the cemetery was always kept up for the families when they came. He worked there until the end of 2022. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his boss and fellow employees. He was always a hard worker and never thought he did enough. He never wanted to disappoint anyone and always went above and beyond in everything he did.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, trapping and woodworking. Many family members had a project that he made for them. These special items will forever be a wonderful reminder of his love for them. He not only did this for his family, but he also donated items to St Francis for their carnivals.

Jim is survived by his children, Debra (Ronald) Lemmer, James (Deanna Nelson) Hein, Dawn (Kevin Kirker) Peterson, Daniel (Lisa) Hein, Matthew (Lynn) Hein & Timothy (Amy) Hein. Grandchildren, Tanya, Malisa, Amanda, Benjamin, Robert, Jason, Jeremy, Jennifer, Christopher, Jessica, Kimberly, Holly, Emily, Kathleen, Justin, Aimee, Anthony, Kelcey, Kayley, Steven, Kevin & Bryce and 37 great grandchildren with 2 on the way. He is further survived by brothers, Gerard (Judy) Hein, John (Cindy) Hein, and sisters Elizabeth (David) Joswick, Sally Sipes, Connie (Dick) Fuller.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lois, brother and sister-in-law Joseph (Maria) Hein, sisters MaryAnn, Elizabeth and brothers-in- law Ted Coss, Bill Sipes.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service for their wonderful care and guidance during this time. We would also like to acknowledge the visits from his friends and let them know how that made his day. We are so grateful to Leah from Taylor Stine Funeral Home for assisting with the funeral arrangements and the kindness shown to us during this sad time.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Mariadas Vallabhaneni will preside. Burial will take place in St. Kunegunda Cemetery, Sugar Camp. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Saturday, September 23, 2023 in the Bellarmine Hall at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill.

Jim will be missed by many – treasure the special memories as they will bring you comfort and smiles as

time passes.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com