Reverend Bruce Hein

DENVER ? The Reverend Bruce Hein, 45, received his crown of glory Jan. 7, 2005, at home in his wife Cindy's arms, after a valiant five-month battle with cancer.

Bruce Kevin Hein was born to Keith and Gail (Mullennax) Hein in Billings, on Feb. 6, 1959, the oldest of four children. When Bruce was 4, the family moved to St. Paul, Minn., where he attended public school through fourth grade. The family returned to Billings in 1969, where Bruce attended Trinity Lutheran School through eighth grade. It was here that he and Cynthia Jean Thompson first became friends. He attended Will James Junior High and graduated from Billings West High School in 1977. He and Cindy were married on July 22, 1978.

Bruce studied one year at Montana State University-Bozeman, transferring to Concordia College, St. Paul, where he earned his BA in Education and taught school for several years, including School District 2 middle schools and MSU-B. He returned to Montana State University-Billings, earning his BA in Computer Engineering in 1990. During several years in the computer business, he wrote custom software for various industries, and helped establish Montana Communications Network.

The church remained a constant throughout his life, where he served in various positions as a layman, including volunteering with the deaf ministry at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Here he learned sign language and a love for the deaf culture. He returned to school in 1996 and earned his Master of Divinity in 2000, at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Bruce was ordained into the pastoral ministry at Emmaus Lutheran Church, Denver, on June 28, 2000, the 100th ordination anniversary of his great-grandfather, Reverend August Hein. He was called by the Rocky Mountain District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, to serve as Missionary-at-Large to the Deaf from 2000 to 2004. In June, 2004, Bruce accepted a call to Faith Lutheran Church to serve as Missionary to the Deaf in the Front Range.

Bruce's life, though short, was defined by his great love for his Lord, family and fellow man, and punctuated with an irrepressible sense of humor and joy. His vast and creative imagination, coupled with a myriad skills, led him to places and adventures where few ever go. His family and those privileged to know him have a rich legacy to treasure.

Bruce leaves his wife, Cindy, of Denver; their six children, Kevin, Colorado Springs, Chandlebray (Brad Hopfensperger), Scotts Bluff, Neb., MonaGayle (Robert Book), Denver, Marie, Phoenix, Isaac and Amy at home; two grandchildren, Robert and Kaitlyn Book; his mother, Gail Hein of Billings; his two brothers, Dwayne Hein (Gilbert Rucas) of New York and Gregg Hein (DeAnn) of Billings; and his sister, Bethanie Murray, Billings; his grandmother, Ava Mullennax of Conrad, Mont.; and many loving relatives, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Keith Hein; grandparents, August and Frieda Hein of Bridger, Mont., and Charles Mullennax of Conrad.

Funeral services and interment are Friday, Jan. 14, in Denver. Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Lutheran Deaf Mission Association, 4785 Elm Court, Denver, CO 80211; or Colorado Lutheran High School Association, 3201 West Arizona, Denver, CO 80219.