Austin Hens

Austin W. Hens Jr., 93, of Zion, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Rolling Hills Manor Nursing Home in Zion. Austin was born February 16, 1917 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Zion after hearing of the City on a radio broadcast on the old Zion radio station. He graduated from Zion Parochial Schools. Austin was a life-long member of Christ Community Church of Zion where he served on the Board of Directors, was a member of the original Passion Play cast and was an usher for many years having served as Head Usher. Austin worked for the Zion Industries and later attended school to become an Accountant. His first job as an Accountant was with Ralph S. Jacobs & Company in Waukegan. While working there, he purchased and operated Genesee Cupboard, a restaurant in downtown Waukegan, selling the restaurant in 1957. Later he managed Zion Dairy Restaurant for a short time until he returned to his old job at Jacobs & Company in Waukegan. Then, in 1970, he and Bill Kennedy started H & K Accounting Service in Zion which became H & H Accounting in 1987. He was also a member of numerous Masonic organizations including Order of the Eastern Star, Royal Arch Masons, The Commandry, and Waukegan Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M. where he was a Past Master and served as Secretary for 28 years. He was also District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Northern District and Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Hens of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; children, Donald (Ruth) Hens and Debra (Robert) Blagg, both of Winthrop Harbor; grandchildren, Sandra (Dennis) Cook, Vicki (Michael) Howard, Robert (Christina) Blagg Jr. And Lisa Blagg; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Edith, in 1999; and by his parents, Austin and Rebecca Hens. Visitation will be Sunday, October 3, 2010, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, where Masonic Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 4th, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Libertyville. Memorial donations to Camp Zion, a ministry of Christ Community Church, have been suggested.