Robert "Bob" Arthur Stein, 94, of Mendota passed away July 3, 2016, in Stonecroft Village, Mendota surrounded by his wife of 70 years and his children.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St John's Lutheran Church, Mendota with the Rev. Janet Lepp officiating. Private burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services Wednesday in the church. Arrangements were provided by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.
Bob was born Jan. 11, 1922, in Mendota to Louis and Mabel (Ehlers) Stein. Bob married his USO sweetheart, Joyce Scott on May 26, 1946, in Oregon, Wis. Bob and Joyce lived and raised their family in Mendota.
Bob was a lifelong member of St John's Lutheran Church, Mendota. He taught Sunday School for many years, served on church council for eight years and was active on many committees during his years there. He was guided by his strong Christian faith.
He served in the U.S. Navy for four years as an aviation radioman. He was a lifetime member of the Elks where he served as treasurer and a lifetime member of the Mendota Golf Club where he served as president of the board.
He was committed to public service and civic duties and served 2nd Ward alderman for eight years in Mendota. After working for Conco and Spartan Tool for 45 years, he stayed active in retirement serving Meals on Wheels and was a Red Coat volunteer at the Mendota Hospital.
Bob had a passion and talent for gardening, he won Garden of the Month on two different occasions. He enjoyed traveling and often kept detailed journals of his travels. He loved to golf. He enjoyed spending time on his computer and loved to "google" anything that might interest him. He was an avid Cubs fan. His greatest joy was spending time with family. He was smart, witty, gentle and loved by all.
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joyce; his children, Cathy (Brian) Higgins of Cannon Beach, Ore., Sandy (Michael) Kerns of Hemet, Calif., Timothy (Mary Lou Pitstick) of Geneseo, Becki Stein of Milwaukee, Wis. and Gloria Renkert of Milwaukee Wis.; a very special friend; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was looking forward to his next two great-grandchildren soon to be born, both boys.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim Stein.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to St, John's Lutheran Church or church of the donors choice.