Obituary
Joseph Wayne Stein
Joseph Wayne Stein, age 72, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on December 15, 1951, to Edna (Whitehurst) and Raymond Stein.
Joe married Peggy on December 12, 2012. He loved spending time outdoors, especially on the water kayaking on Lake Onalaska or walking on the beaches of the Florida Keys. Joe was an avid golfer and a friend to everyone he met. He was content to sit on the deck of his home listening to music and watching the world go by. Joe enjoyed watching the Packers or the Badgers hoping his numbers hit. He dabbled in photography, always looking for that perfect picture. And of course he loved watching the eagles that flew around the island.
Joe was active duty in the US Army from 1971 to 1972 as a food and drug inspector and trained as an Army medic. After leaving the service, he worked for Badger Corrugating until retirement.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife and his four children: Amanda, Chuck, James and Allison. As well as his six grandchildren; Maddison, Mikayla, Olive, Riley, Max and Ava.
A celebration of life will be held on August 15th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at The Gathering Place Event Center, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Military Honors will be provided by The American Legion Post 336 at 3:00 pm.
Joe was a lifelong friend and neighbor of mine. We played together as kids on the island. We shot some pool, fished and had a few brewski together as adults. I moved away from LaCrosse but kept in touch with Joe. He came to Wausau to see and fish with me from time to time. In recent years Joe and I would get together at his house for a few games of cribbage. I will miss my friend. He may be gone but I will never forget him. Until we meet again Joe, keep the cribbage board handy my friend. Randy Taylor
I am so sorry to hear about Joe he was a great guy!
So sorry and sad for all who knew Joe. I just recently found out about his passing. I just briefly talked to Joe at Menards a few weeks before his passing, and was caught off guard when hearing of his passing. Sincerest condolences to the Stein Family.
Really enjoyed spending time with Joe on the golf course. RIP.
Joe was a great companion on the golf course! Always upbeat. My sympathies to the family on his passing
This is sad, was just thinking of him. Lots of great times with him way back…. Prayers to the family.
Just 3 weeks ago, we bumped in to each other and decided to get together. After a few years of not seeing each other. His death sadden me. Like many , I knew Joe for long time. Like many we will aways remember him. My condolences to his wife and his kids.
Joe loved his wife and all his children and grands. He would brag on them. He would do anything for me and others. I loved my brother. He was a good friend. My heart breaks for all of us who will miss him so much.
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family.
He was always such a nice guy.
May many loving memories bring you comfort in the days & years ahead.
Jane (Halverson) Kruger
Logan class of 70
Mike and I have many wonderful memories of Joe. Mike remembers it was always Joe on his team in the neighborhood. I remember Joe since Summit school. We both send love and hugs to all of Joe’s family.
Great person had a lot of fun with him when we worked at Badger made the day go by heck of a lot easier. And enjoyed a few cocktails Friday after work at snuffys
Peg and family,
I am so saddened by news of Joe’s
death.
I enjoyed seeing Joe at
the 50+1 reunion. I told him he would always be my class president of 1970.
Joe was always kind to me.
Stan Severson
Lakeland, FL
Super nice guy – I’ll ways remember him with a smile on his face!
A mellow guy, stayed that way through all that life threw his way. Traveled with him to the California beaches in the early 70s, friends for life.
Football player, outdoor enthusiast, golfer, family,
Joe, enjoyed life, gone way to soon.
R.IP. Joe
Joe was a classmate and friend. I’ll always remember him as the kind and thoughtful person he was.
R.I.P. Joe.
Kathy Van Dyck
I am so sorry for Joe’s family and friends. I went to school with his sister Joanne at Logan High School. so sad. Lynette (Schaller) Neumann.
I love you so much Dad! Thank you to all who leave memories of him here!! ❤️
Our condolences go out to the Stein family. Joe was a good friend to my brothers.
The Melby family
I, too, am very saddened by Joe’s death. Joe was a special person in my life during formative years. I am comforted by the qualities of Joe expressed here which I recognized in 9 th grade and caused me to have a crush on him! He was a much needed special friend to me in high school and I was lucky that he invited me to homecoming and prom. On my 16 th birthday he brought me roses and took me to the movie, “ Camelot”: a high school girl’s dream! These memories remain special as I hope all of yours will. My sincere condolences to all friends and family. We are blessed to have shared time with Joe. I am thankful that I saw Joe at Logan’s 50+1 and got a hug.
Karolyn Noel Collins
What I have to share in these comments will not surprise anyone who knew Joe. We became friends as we went through High School together and for years afterwards. Joe was one of the most thoughtful and a consistently kind person that I’ve known in my lifetime. My heart goes out to his family and other friends which I’m sure are many.
We will all miss you Joe.
What a great person. Joe always was friendly to everyone. Ran into Joe at the store and we talked a long time about the good old days. He always had that smile. God Bless Joe and condolences to his family.
We are both so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to Peggy and family. We knew Joe from our football and Snuffy days. Had so much fun every Friday at Snuffy’s with him. RIP Joe.
My condolences to all. I met Joe working at Badger many decades ago. I then became his neighbor and lifelong friend. He was always there for me lending a helping hand. We bumped into each other quite a few times at Festival and just last week I was looking around for him.
RIP Joe 💖
Thank you to all who have left memories, sympathies and kind words. Joe had so many life long friends-a testament to the kind of person he was. I miss him terribly.
I love you Babe-