Willard Earnest Stein, age 90, of Kingsley, passed away on Jan 4, 2016 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, with his family at his side. Willard (Bill) was born on Dec 18, 1925 in Jackson, MI to Joseph and Crystal Stein, later moving to the Buckley area.
Bill married Doris Newmarch on Aug 19, 1950, and together they made their home in the Kingsley area. They have two children: Karen (David) Brayton and Randy Stein. Also survived by grandchildren: Michael (Anne) Brayton, Michelle (Lance) DeVries, and Matthew (Barbara) Brayton; 12 great-grandchildren, Zach, Jenna, Nicholas, Kara Brayton, Emmersen, Easton, Ellioit, and Evelynn DeVries, and Elyse, Marin, Brook, and Maisy Brayton; sisters: Wanda Rushton, Yvonne Skellett and Thelma Sedlacek; sisters in law: Vera Riley, Irene Stremlow, Helen Fritz, Leona Nye; brothers in law: Harold Newmarch and Jay Newmarch.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Crystal Stein, sisters: Jacque Myers, Pauline Lee, Iva (Dolly) Morrison and brother: Delvin Stein. Also, in laws: Earl and Mildred Newmarch and Lena Themm, sister in law: Mary Newmarch, brothers in law: Harold Riley, Ed Themm, Floyd Newmarch, David Stremlow, Ed Fritz, Allan Nye.
Bill was a WWII veteran, serving in Japan and Korea. He worked at Sheffer Collet for over 40 years. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping. He mostly treasured spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Thu, Jan 7, 2016; 11 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Kingsley Baptist Church. Burial will take place in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions made in Bill’s name may be directed to the Kingsley Baptist Church.
