Richard “Dick” Wendell Hein, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many, peacefully passed away at the age of 89 on June 21, 2026, at Sunrise Care Center in Traer, Iowa. Born on September 3, 1936, in Fairbank, Iowa, to William Hein and Elizabeth (Beehner) Hein, Dick lived a life full of warmth, laughter, dedication, and the kind of love that leaves an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Dick grew up in Fairbank, attending Immanuel Lutheran School in Waterloo from kindergarten through eighth grade, and continued his education at East High School. The call to serve led him to enlist in the Navy in 1954, where he proudly gave three years, three months, and three days of steadfast service, earning the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal—honors he carried with characteristic humility and pride.

It was in Waterloo that Dick’s lifelong love story began. On December 2, 1955, he married Lois Raker. Together, they crafted a partnership that would span seventy beautiful years—a milestone Dick mentioned to all with a twinkle in his eye and deep affection in his heart. Their journey took them from Washburn to Dysart in 1972, a place they would embrace as home for decades. The love that filled their home extended to everyone around them, a lasting testament to their commitment to one another and to their family.

Dick was a hardworking man, dedicating over 30 years as a pressman at Allbee Printing in Waterloo. His colleagues became friends, and Dick took great joy in his work—always finding happiness in the smallest things, like bringing home scratch pads “for anyone who needed them.” He brought the same meticulous care to his later years at Wolverton Printing, working until he was 75, because he simply loved to work. Side by side with his good friend Jim, Dick also built a drywall business, and at home, he skillfully crafted rubber stamps, always eager to provide and care for those he loved.

His talents and interests filled his days and enriched the lives of everyone around him. Dick loved to fish, ride horses, collect treasures, and build all manner of items for his family. He was a natural jokester—quick with a grin or a hearty laugh—and delighted in making others smile. His playful spirit shone especially on long car rides, when he’d serenaded his children with his favorite songs and impressed them with his flawless recitation of prepositions. These memories, simple yet profound, became beloved family lore.

Faith was always close to Dick’s heart. He found great comfort and joy attending St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Washburn. His church family gave him strength, and he spoke of them with deep fondness. The community he built within those walls echoed the kindness and generosity that were the hallmarks of his life.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert (Sandy) Hein, his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Ralph Buck, brother-in-law David (Arlene) Linstrom, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janice and Frank Troutwine, and sister-in-law Donna Winegard; nephew Brad Buck and Rick Troutwine; and many aunts, uncles, and dear friends. Their memories remain cherished in the hearts of all who survive him.

Dick’s legacy is most beautifully reflected in his surviving family. He is lovingly remembered by Lois, his pride and joy, of Dysart; his children Wendy (Mike) Wieben of Dysart, and Jeff (Cindy) Hein of Ankeny; his grandchildren Clayton Wieben, Cassidy (Ben) Schemmel, Chelsea (Jeremy) Sills—all of Dysart—Jacob (Cathleen) Hein and Nathan (Lauren) Hein of Chicago, and Melanie (Jordan) Wilson of Polk City. His great-grandchildren—Braxton Wieben, Sullivan Schemmel, Brickam Wieben, Sawyer Sills, Silas Schemmel, Forrest Sills (all of Dysart), Holly Nicole Hein and Josie Lois Hein of Chicago, Kali and Emmett Wilson; sisters, Arlene Linstrom of Ames and Jane (Craig) Karr of Glen Haven, CO; brother-in-law Ron Winegard of Denver—will carry forward his stories and his laughter. In addition, he is fondly remembered by special family friends Mary Wankowicz, Margena Voigt, and Tami Coolbaugh, as well as by his many nieces and nephews.

To know Dick was to know kindness, humor, resilience, and unconditional love. His was a life of steady devotion—to his family, to his friends, to his faith, and to the work that gave him purpose. His laughter, his wisdom, and his enduring spirit will be missed beyond measure, yet treasured for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on June 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Overton Funeral Home in Dysart. A private service in his honor will take place at St. Paul’s Presbyterian on June 29 at 10:30 am, followed by private burial at Gnagy Cemetery in Dysart will full Military Rites conducted by the Unites States Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Dysart Legion.

As we say goodbye to Richard “Dick” Wendell Hein, we remember a man who brightened every room, whose hands built and gave and embraced, and whose memory will echo in stories and laughter shared by those who loved him most.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St Paul's Presbyterian Church in Washburn, IA.