Gerald Dean Hein, age 81, of McCook, Nebraska passed away at his home on Saturday, September 26, 2020. He was born in Ft. Morgan, Colorado on December 19, 1938 to Harry and Freida (Hein) Hein. Gerald’s mother passed away when he was young. The family returned to southwest Nebraska, to Culbertson, in 1941. Gerald attended country school and later graduated from Culbertson High School in 1957.
On May 19, 1999, Gerald was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Barbara (Smith) Erdkamp.
Gerald was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad as a conductor and other duties on the Denver to Lincoln run for 25 years. His passion was fishing. He made many trips to Swanson Reservoir and Ogallala to fish for Walleye, but was just as happy to catch crappie or bass. It was said Gerald would go to the tackle shops and buy all of the lures that were catching fish, just so no one else could use the same lure. He also enjoyed making sinkers in his spare time. He was a member of the McCook Elks and Peace Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Freida; step-mother Hannah; mother-in-law: Mildred Frick; stepson: James Holmes; stepbrother: Kenneth Baumfalk; step brother-in-law: Gary Mills; brother-in-law: Don (Rosemarie) Smith; sister-in-law: Alice Smith.
Gerald is survived by his wife: Barbara of McCook, NE; three daughters: Beverly (Russ) Schlager of Rollinsville, CO, Lynda Weiman of Litteton, CO, Rebecca (Brad) Damoude of Hershey, NE; son: Larry Hein of McCook, NE; stepson: Robert (Tammy) Holmes of Severn, MD; nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one step-great grandson; brothers: Robert (Jan) Hein of McCook, NE, Eugene (Cleta) Baumfalk of McCook, NE; sisters: Joan Mills of McCook, NE and Janice Kraus of Ogallala, NE; brother-in-law, Sam Smith of McCook, NE; sister-in-law, Betty (Ted) Collins of Coto De Caza, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Gerald’s wishes, the family chose cremation. A private graveside service will be held at a future date. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be addressed to the McCook Humane Society in Gerald’s name. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.