Lester Joseph Hein 97, from Coldwater died at 11 p.m., November 12, 2025 at Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, OH.

He was born May 7, 1928 in Mercer County, to the late Joseph and Hilda (Thobe) Hein. On September 29, 1951, he married Dorothy Jean Braun who preceded him in 2021.

He was active until the end managing their apartments until he moved to the Briarwood apartments where he enjoyed 3 years. He died quickly from heart issues after having a pleasant 9 months with Vicki's extended family, their dog, Leroy and Dawns newest child, baby Regina.

He is survived by his four children: Victoria (Roger) Zimmerman and Tom Frericks, Port Clinton, Ohio, Debra Brookhart, Celina, Ohio; Jennifer Hein, Indianapolis, Indiana and Kevin Hein, Celina, Ohio; 6 Grandchildren: Doug Frericks, Dawn Hochwalt & Mark Rosta, Danielle Frericks & Doug Wilkinson, Jeremy Brookhart (dec.), Anthony & Tisha Brookhart, Travis and Alexa Brookhart; and 7 Great grandchildren: Darian Stephens, Kenton Hochwalt, Regina Rosta, MacKenzie Blankenship, Austyn, Brooklynn, Carter & Douglas Wilkinson, Kaden Brookhart, Hudson and Hayes Brookhart.

He was preceded in death by in-laws, Edgar Moorman, Louis Geier, Ruth and Lee Bilger and two son-in laws, Dale Brookhart and Norman Hochwalt.

His surviving sisters Rose Moorman and Mary Geier are both enjoying a Briarwood apartment now.

He was also preceded in death by all his in-laws, Linus and Larry Braun and 3 sisters, Mary Ann (Bob) Hoenie, Berniece (Murle) Green, and Alfrieda (Herb) Ramga.

He worked at the Pet Milk Co for 46 years, and at the same time was an avid construction specialist: building, remodeling and maintaining 8 homes & 2 apartment buildings. Many of the Moorman's helped with several of his projects. He was co-owner of Hein's Bridal for 31 years and Hein's Fashions while the girls were in school. After those businesses closed, the family had KJ Hydroponics for 11 years along with managing the Hein apartments. Dad was very active and enjoyed walking. He was a member of the American Legion and the Holy Trinity Church, ever since he grew up in that neighborhood.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30am Monday, November 17th, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, Ohio. Hogenkamp Sons will have a limited family viewing at 9 a.m. Burial with military rites will be held at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater, OH.

All are invited to the luncheon in the church basement following the committal service. If you are unable to go to the cemetery, go directly to the church basement.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lester's name to the Coldwater Legion.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.