Werner Hein

Werner Hein, 66, of Janesville, WI, passed peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, following a stroke.

Werner was born on October 23, 1958, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to the late Siegfried and Gerda Hein. His childhood was spent in Forest Park, IL, then in Hillside, IL, where he graduated from Proviso West High School. Later, he attended Triton College and Rockford College, where he majored in music. He worked briefly at the Chicago Board of Trade, then as a lifelong day trader and piano teacher.

He and his first wife, Laura Quackenbush, welcomed a daughter, Bernie, in 1990. Later, Werner married Tani Abendroth, with whom he maintained a treasured friendship after their divorce.

Werner was so proud of his German heritage. As German citizens, his parents passed down their citizenship rights to him. He, in turn, passed those rights to his daughter.

Werner was considered eccentric by some. His broad range of interests and hobbies included composing his own piano pieces, and studying world religions, psychology, the economy, politics and current events. He and Tani often travelled to Door County where they visited many art galleries, lighthouses, beaches and parks. He also frequently traveled by train to spend many hours appreciating works of art at the Chicago Art Institute and to visit The Glass Gallery, where he would usually purchase a beautiful addition for his beloved paperweight collection. At home, he loved exploring local parks, taking photos of downtown Janesville after dark, and lap swimming at the gym.

Werner was kind, intelligent, extraordinarily generous, and a friend to all. Bernie was the light of his life and he never missed a chance to help her around the house, teach her new chords on the piano, and attend her community theater productions.

Werner’s loved ones are grateful to the many skilled hands and hearts who cared for him and his family in his final days. Thank you to Beloit Memorial Hospital ER staff, the University of Wisconsin Med Flight crew, and those at the University of Wisconsin Neuro ICU/Stroke Center, and the University of Wisconsin Organ Donor Clinic, where he donated several life- saving organs and tissues after his Honor Walk.

Bernie, Tani and many dear friends will miss his easy manner and gift of gab. Werner was a believer in eternal life in heaven. A celebration of life is pending.

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