Mildred Hein

Mildred Hein, 96, of Robinson, IL, passed away on December 15, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing, surrounded by the love of her family. Born May 21, 1928, in New Hebron, IL, to Carl & Opal (Goff) Weger, Mildred grew up with a relentless work ethic. Whether putting up hay as a child or helping raise her baby brother, Ralph, she faced every task head-on.

After graduating from Robinson High School, Mildred began a working career as varied as it was tireless. She started at Ettelbrick Shoe Factory, cleaned houses, and worked at Briggs Pottery before becoming a secretary at R&L Ready Mix, where she met her husband, Charles Hein. From there, she worked as a real estate secretary for Weber Insurance & Realty, at First Robinson Savings & Loan, and AAA Electric before spending over 20 years in production at Victor Dana, retiring in 1993. Retirement didn’t slow her down in the slightest. Mildred was a woman of perpetual motion—mowing her yard well into her 90s, painting, cleaning, and taking spontaneous road trips with her great-granddaughter Jayden. She found joy in every task and purpose in serving others, selling Watkins products until the day she passed.

On November 5, 1960, Mildred married Charles, who became a father to her daughters, Carolyn and Bonnie. Together, she and Charles traveled to Las Vegas, Florida, and even the Indy 500 time trials—stopping, of course, for her "gourmet meal" of choice: White Castle sliders! Fiercely dedicated to her family, Mildred adored her great-great-grandson Jasper, holding him close even when she could hold little else. Her heart stretched far beyond family; if you were particularly kind, you might have received a paper cup of popcorn, carefully covered with Saran Wrap, as a token of her appreciation.

Mildred found joy in life’s simple pleasures: visiting friends in nursing homes with thoughtful gifts in hand—often a Watkins product or a small token of kindness—collecting treasures during her regular trips to the Dollar Tree, and unwinding with a game of Hearts or Euchre on her computer. Ever the competitor, she took great satisfaction in her virtual victories, blissfully unaware that her opponent was a bot. Little moments like these reflected her playful spirit and brought light to those around her.

To know Mildred was to know a woman whose life was overflowing. She saw keepsakes in everything, memories in everyone, and a reason to keep going each day. Her life was a reflection of her quiet, steadfast faith. From her roots in the Pilgrim Holiness Church to her time at New Hope Church and, most recently, First Christian Church, Mildred found strength and purpose in her relationship with the Lord. She delighted in moments that brought her closer to Him—whether it was visiting The Holy Land theme park in Florida, attending a Jimmy Swaggart concert, or simply living out her faith through her acts of love and service.

For those of us who knew her, we can find comfort in the truth that Mildred has laid down her work and is finally at rest. She is home. No more pain—only peace in the presence of her Lord, where she is fully restored and forever loved. While we will miss her perpetual motion, her generosity, and her zest for life, we know that this is not goodbye. After all, her hands may be still, but her spirit lives on, forever in the presence of the One she trusted with her whole heart.

She leaves behind her daughters, Carolyn DuPlessis and Bonnie Gifford; granddaughter, Elisa (Johnny) Lytis; great-granddaughter, Jayden Jones; great-great-grandson, Jasper York; step-great-grandson, Joshua Lytis; sister-in-law, Carol Weger; and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Charles Hein; her parents; her brother, Ralph Weger; and her sons-in-law, Bob Gifford and Ron DuPlessis.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with services immediately following at 12:00 p.m. Pastor David Ducommon will officiate, and burial will be in Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Transitions Hospice", with envelopes available at the funeral home.