Michael Edward Hein
March 20, 1951 - March 25, 2023
Obituary
MADISON - Michael Edward Hein, age 72, passed away at home in the loving embrace of his wife and daughters on Saturday, March 25, 2023. He approached his six-month battle with esophageal cancer in the same way he lived his life - with levity and good humor, hope for the future, and commitment to family, friends, and his profession.
Michael was born on March 20, 1951, to Raymond and Luella (Hamann) Hein and raised on a farm in Mechanicsville, Iowa. He graduated from Clarence High School in Iowa in 1969. He attended Iowa State University, obtaining a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a Master’s in agricultural and sanitary engineering.
Michael’s engineering career began with Bert B. Hanson & Associates in West Union, Iowa. Newly married on Nov. 22, 1980, Michael and Rhonda (Palo) moved to Madison, Wis., and Michael continued his career with Durrant Engineers. In 1983, Michael co-founded HK Engineers before creating his own consulting engineering company, Hein Engineering Group, in 1996. From an early age, he knew he would be an engineer; his unwavering passion is evident in the professional legacy he leaves behind, built on long-term relationships and respect.
Michael believed in the restorative power of being in relationship to nature and wildlife, introducing his family to backpacking and the thrill of summiting mountains. He always had a book on his nightstand, undoubtedly about history, anthropology or Native American culture. He shared his sense of adventure and curiosity with his family; traveling from the gorges of Tanzania to the beaches of Jamaica, meandering the cobblestone roads of San Miguel to sailing the crystal waters of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, retracing his father’s World War II military service route in Europe to sipping Malbec in Buenos Aires.
Michael was an avid fan of the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers. During the NFL draft, he acted as a “self-appointed” general manager, making meticulous notes about desired draft picks. Michael and his brother, George, raised pure-bred Angus cattle, which their children and grandchildren showed locally and nationally.
In life and in death, he taught his family what it means to be resilient, humble, kind, committed, generous, and well-loved. He was the ballast of our family - his presence made us feel as though everything was going to be ok.
Michael is survived by his wife of 42 years; and his daughters, Whitney Hein and Brooke Hein; his brother, George (Jeanne) Hein; his sister, Barbara (Doug) Collins; mother-in-law, Jean Palo; sister-in-law, LaRae Palo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Luella Hein; and father-in-law, Robert Palo.
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023. A private burial will be held at Natural Path Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, which will be used to place a bench graveside and in the Dells of Eau Claire Park, Wausau - a park Mike’s family visited together every fall.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002