Obituary for Donald Henry Bein (June 5, 1925 - March 4, 2024)

On March 4, just three months short of his 99th birthday, Donald Henry Bein died peacefully with family by his side. Born June 5, 1925 in Davenport, IA, his career path included teaching, engineering, and business ventures, followed by many years of happy retirement. While in high school, Don joined an Army Specialized Training Unit, and after graduation served in WWII in Europe, where as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Bridge at Remagen. At war's end, Don was moved to the army's 1st Infantry Division, for Occupation Duty in Nuremberg. Over the last few decades Don shared his stories of WWII with classrooms of students and adults alike. Don was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award by the Jewish Federation of Rockford on Holocaust Remembrance Day, 2022.

In 1949, Don graduated from Iowa State and married his love, Alice Kathryn Coulter. They taught together in Fort Dodge, IA for two years before Don entered the world of business, first as Buyer and Merchandise Manager for Western Auto Supply Company in Kansas City, MO, and later Vice President and President of Inland Dynatronics in Hackensack, NJ. Eventually Don and Alice returned to teaching, this time in the Pocono Mountains, PA. Upon retirement they headed back to the Midwest and built a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. After seventeen years on the lake, Don and Alice chose to move closer to family and relocated to Peterson Meadows in Rockford.

Don enjoyed being active in community organizations. He was a committed member of Rotary International for many years, and served in leadership positions at church congregations in the communities where he lived. For 20 years he volunteered in Rockford School District 205, helping students learn to read.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Alice, parents Helen and Otto Bein, sister Lois Freeman, brothers-in-law Dr. Bruce Freeman and Dr. Donald Ferris, and granddaughter Erica Ruth Mercer. He is survived by his children Miriam Mercer (Jim), Marti Bein (Steve Larsen), Paul Bein (LaVon), nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Don commented often that family was the most important part of life. And Don also said: "I could never have written a better script for my life."

Don's life will be celebrated in worship on Friday, March 22 at Christ Lutheran Church, 425 Riverside Road, Belvidere at 11:00. Visitation will precede the service at 9:30.

In grateful recognition of the loving care he received at Wesley Willows, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Wesley Willows, 4141 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, IL 61103. Don's family would especially like to thank Ellie, his hospice nurse.