Funeral services for Leo A. Stein of Morris, Minnesota will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. Celebrant for the service will be Father Joe Vandeberg. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Chokio.
Leo August Stein, son of George and Edith (Spittle) Stein was born on October 14, 1928 in Pepperton Township near Chokio. Leo was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chokio. He attended grade school in Chokio and graduated from Chokio High School in 1946. Leo entered the United States Army in March of 1953, serving his country during the Korean Conflict; being honorably discharged in February of 1955. He married the love of his life Gloria Ann Sperr on September 19, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chokio. The couple made their home near Alberta, where they farmed and raised hogs and cattle. Leo also drove school bus for 47 years; where he was awarded a commendation from the governor and received a Safe Driving Award. He retired from bus driving in 2001 and farming in 1991. After retiring, Leo and Gloria moved into Morris, where they have continued to live.
Leo was a member of the V.F.W., the American Legion and Eagles Club. He enjoyed bird watching, working in the garden, and watching Minnesota sports. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a very good sense of humor. Leo's favorite saying was "No matter how bad you think you have it, someone is always worse off than you are." Leo was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be dearly missed.
Leo died on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the West Wind Village in Morris, having reached the age of 83 years.
He is survived by his wife Gloria, Morris; five children, Val (Chris) Jackson, Eagan, Bryan (Bonnie) Stein, Poynette, WI, Kathy (Scott) Bahr, Morris, Tim (Erin) Stein, Rochester and Todd Stein, Alexandria; one brother, Arnie Stein, Morris; two sisters, Georgianne (Tony) Chalupnik, Moorhead and Rosalie (Knute) Christensen, Morris; thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Corey Stein and three sisters, Viola Severance, Lucille Howey and Leora Oachs.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Read Leo Stein's Obituary and Guestbook on www.pedersenfh.com.
