Obituary of Hans Kirchheimer

Hans Kirchheimer, 97, a longtime resident of Pompton Lakes, died at home Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Born in Wolfenbuttel, Germany, Hans was the second of four children born to Dr. Ziegfried and Martha Kirchheimer. A Jewish family, they fled Germany after the start of World War II, and separately immigrated to the U.S.A, reuniting here once they were all able to receive passage. Hans was eager to join the U.S. Army and fight for his new country. He volunteered to go back to Germany and served as a wire tapper, because he was fluent in the language. While there, he was able to secure immigration for his girlfriend, Lee Steinle, back to the states.

Hans and Lee were married on May 11, 1948. They lived briefly in New York and Old Bridge before settling in Pompton Lakes, where they raised two sons. 

Hans worked in several jobs throughout his career, but held a long term position as Foreman for Bell Art Products in Pompton Plains. On the weekends, he worked as a photographer, earning extra money capturing family portraits or working weddings. Hans was an even-keeled, likeable man, who never minded his six-day work week. His family always came first, and he would do anything for them. 

They returned to Germany with their sons in the 1970s. There, in Hans' hometown, they were treated like kings; Hans' father had been one of the only physicians in the area to care for the community years before. Their sons learned much of their family legacy while on that trip, and learned to be very proud of their heritage. 

Hans is lovingly survived by his sons, Peter and his wife Maureen, and Harvey and his wife Patricia; his sister, Laura Eppy; his grandchildren, Amanda Colarusso and her husband Michael, and Sean VanKersen and his fiance Stephanie Mangini; as well as his great-grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Colarusso. He was predeceased by his wife, Lee, in 2016, and his sisters, Greta Levin and Alice Kirchheimer. 

Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8 pm at the funeral home. A funeral service, including the presentation of honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, will be held at 7:30 pm to conclude the visitation period. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the VFW would be greatly appreciated by the Kirchheimer family.