Paul Hehn

Paul Hehn passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on February 2, 1931, in Našička Breznica, Yugoslavia, to the late Michael and Teresa (Krajcek) Hehn, Paul was the oldest of four children.

Paul was the proud husband of Maria (Misbrener) Hehn, whom he loved deeply. They married on November 24, 1956, and together raised three daughters-Lilly, Teresa, and Elizabeth-his pride and joy. An incredibly hard worker, Paul did everything he could to build a better life for his family in the United States after enduring immense hardship during WWII. In 1944, the Hehn family was forced from their home, eventually fleeing to Germany and then Austria. At just 14 years old, Paul was wanted by Hitler's Youth Army, but he, his mother, and siblings escaped overnight, ultimately immigrating safely to the United States on the General Muir, an American ship, in December of 1949. His first glimpse of America was the Statue of Liberty.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Paul worked tirelessly to support his family-first his mother and siblings, then later Maria and their daughters. He poured his life into the service of others. On the rare occasions when he could be found sitting still, it was usually to cheer on his grandchildren and neighbors at sporting events or to debate with friends over a cold beer. Paul believed that anything was possible and would not rest until a problem was solved. He found great joy in singing songs from "the old country," as he called it, and nothing made him smile bigger than time spent with family. In his later years, he continued to prioritize family and friends, often over dinners and card games.

A faithful member of the Catholic Church, Paul prayed the rosary daily with Maria. Despite the many hardships he faced in life, he never wavered in his belief in the goodness and faithfulness of God, leaving behind a profound legacy of deep faith.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Teresa Hehn, and his brothers, George and Michael. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Maria; his sister, Katherine (Don, dec.) Diefendorf; his daughters, Lilly (Reini) Felder, Teresa Eader (John Eader), and Elizabeth (Dale Helems) Hehn; his grandchildren (his "big-a-one's") Dawn Eader, Missy (Kevin) Cooper, Paul (Sharon) Eader, Megan (Keith) Hayfield, and Amanda (Dustin) Ames; his great-grandchildren, Cody, Riley, Molly, Ryan, McKenna, Violet, Cohen, Mila, Kane and Kyler; brother and sister-in law Martin & Liz Misbrener; nephews & nieces Michael (Tanya) Ripplinger, Father David Misbrener, Debbie (Tom) Towner, Lisa (Stephen) Woods, Sadie Pilz, Nancy Kovacs, George Hehn, Susan Remeika, and Michael Hehn, as well as countless family members and friends who loved him deeply and will miss him tremendously.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church with the interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.