Klaus Peter Hein

Klaus Peter Hein passed away, March 6^th, 2025. Peter was a beloved husband, father, soldier, innovator, and lifelong learner whose journey began in Hannover, Germany and ultimately enriched many lives here in America.

Peter's story is one of resilience, adventure, and unwavering curiosity. Born in 1938 in Germany, his life took a pivotal turn when his family discovered the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ through missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At just 16 years old, Peter immigrated with his family to the United States, settling in Salt Lake City—a brave new beginning that would shape the course of his extraordinary life.

Even before becoming a U.S. citizen, Peter's dedication to his adopted homeland led him to join the US Army Reserve, where his leadership abilities quickly became apparent. After graduating college with an MBA, he was commissioned as an officer, eventually retiring as a full Colonel after a distinguished career. His contributions to the Army Reserve and the Armor division he commanded continue to influence those organizations to this day.

Peter's passions extended far beyond his military service. His love for soccer inspired him to become a founding member of Utah Youth Soccer, creating opportunities for countless young people to experience the sport he cherished throughout his life. The arrival of Real Salt Lake was a particular joy for him, and his season tickets ensured he never missed a match.

The pursuit of knowledge was a defining characteristic of Peter's life. His command of English was impeccable, matched only by his native German. Not content with bilingualism, he studied French, Italian, Hebrew, and even Egyptian hieroglyphics. This last interest blossomed into a fascination with Egyptian archaeology that culminated in a special journey to Egypt with his daughter Stefanie—a cherished memory for both.

After graduating, finishing his master’s program and joining IBM, he met Carol Ann Larsen, and they married in 1964, and moved to Lakewood Colorado for IBM. They had three children, Christina, Stefanie, and Jeff. Peter's professional life at IBM cultivated his passion for technology. His home featured one of the area's first personal computers, a testament to his forward-thinking mindset.

After 25 years of marriage, Peter and Carol divorced, and several years later he met and married Sandy Barr in 1992.

Peter's life was not without significant challenges. He survived a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a car, demonstrating remarkable resilience through a difficult recovery. Years later, after moving to Sandy, Utah in retirement, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest while attending a Real Salt Lake game. Yet, despite this, he amazingly returned to his normal activities—a testament to his extraordinary determination.

In retirement, Peter embraced his many interests with characteristic enthusiasm—model trains, flight simulators, extensive reading, and his beloved Mercedes Benz cars. He and Sandy traveled frequently to Europe, making the most of their time together until her passing from cancer in early 2011. Life blessed Peter with another chance at love when he married Brigitte Dawson in the Fall of 2011. Brigitte too was an immigrant from Germany at a younger age and together, whether at home or abroad, they continually shared the good things of their mother country. Brigitte's children, Chris (spouse Cheree, grandchildren Samantha, Jackson), and Sam (spouse Lindy, grandchildren Morgan, Emery, Oaklyn) accepted Peter with open arms and he was happy and grateful to spend time with them. It was a great source of joy and belonging for him.

Peter's approach to investing reflected his thoughtful nature, as he followed Warren Buffett's principles in the stock market throughout his life. And he never lost sight of life's simple pleasures—gelato, fine desserts, rouladen, and apple juice brought him joy that he savored at every opportunity.

Peter's is survived by his wife Brigitte and her family, daughters Christina (spouse Vince, grandchildren Trinity, Paislee, and Jeremiah) and Stefanie (spouse Jarred, grandchildren Bryant and Cassandra), and son Jeff (spouse Petra, grandchildren Jessey, Cody, James, and Madison) and seven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a life story characterized by resilience, adaptability, constant learning, and deep appreciation for both life's grand adventures and its simple pleasures.

As we say goodbye to Peter, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, curiosity, and love. His journey from a teenage immigrant to a respected military leader, technology professional, and beloved family man represents the very best of the American dream. We are all richer for having known him, and though we mourn his passing, we find comfort in the countless ways his life continues to influence ours.

May we honor Peter's memory by embracing life with the same enthusiasm, resilience, and appreciation he demonstrated throughout his remarkable journey.

Services will be held Saturday March 15, at the Ashley Park Ward, 10312 S Ashley Park Drive, Sandy, UT. Viewing from 0930-1045, and services starting at 1100.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/wEfUw9T2D3xggrhpw6AQumFcvVnqMt1k6BCDlMV5fR3O230vc1Jqp-65ThxPMqE3.Oe3VJwW3r-XAaoXk?startTime=1742056762000