WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dennis Hlathein, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday evening, November 16, 2023 at his home.
He was born October 31, 1935 in Moulmein, Burma son of the late U Ba Thein and Daw Mya Khin.
Mr. Hlathein came to the United States in 1969 from Burma. He resided in Sturgis since 1981, coming from Stevensville.
On January 19, 1961 he married Dorothy Lazarus in Rangoon, Burma. Mr. and Mrs. Hlathein fled the country of Burma in 1969 to escape deteriorating conditions after a communist military dictatorship seized control a few years earlier.
Mr. Hlathein obtained his B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the U.S. in 1957. He admired the great freedoms and opportunities available in this great country. Upon his return to Burma, it was incredibly disheartening to witness the unfortunate decline of his motherland. He then vowed to give his sons a better future in the United States of America. As he made plans to bring his wife and sons to America, he was labeled a traitor of Burma and was forced to cut ties with all the family members he left behind. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1969.
In 1970 Mr. Hlathein accepted a position at the Bendix Corporation in St. Joseph and worked there for 10 years. He later retired from the Sturgis Foundry in 1997 following 17 years of dedicated employment.
He was an avid photographer. He also had a passion for electronics of all types. He was an early adopter of personal computers. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing them get more powerful and more affordable over the years.
He is survived by his wife: Dorothy: two sons: Terence (Rebecca) Hlathein of Lexington, Kentucky and Patrick (Alison) Hlathein of Caledonia; grandchildren: Brian and Ruby; two brothers, two sisters and several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. No services are planned.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Hlathein’s memory consider Centrica Hospice, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
