Marshall H. Stein

Marshall Harold Stein, age 82, of Ellsworth, WI, passed away on April 5, 2025, at Comforts of Home in River Falls.

Born on December 22, 1942, in the small town of Pepin, WI, Marshall was the beloved son of Harold and Frances (Weberg) Stein. Raised with strong Midwestern values, he carried those principles of humility, resilience, and loyalty with him throughout his life.

In 1965, Marshall was drafted into the United States Army. He served with honor and integrity for two years, with assignments that took him across the world to Germany during a pivotal time in history. Though he returned home in 1967, he continued to serve in the Standby Reserves until 1971.

Not long after returning home, Marshall met his soon to be wife, Nancy Douglas. The two were united in marriage on September 14, 1968, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and the joys of family life. Together they raised three wonderful children—Brian, Jennifer, and Anita.

Marshall was a hardworking man, the kind who took pride in earning his way. For over 42 years, he worked at the flour mill in Hastings, where his dependability earned the respect of his coworkers. He believed in doing a job well done.

But life wasn’t just about work. Marshall found deep joy in the simple pleasures—whether casting a fishing line into a quiet lake, riding his ATV through the woods up north, or walking the trails in search of the perfect morel mushroom. He was a Wisconsin man through and through: loyal to the Green Bay Packers, and always ready to cheer on his favorite teams, no matter the sport or season. If there was a game on, Marshall was watching—with enthusiasm and a cold beer in hand.

He had a remarkable green thumb and took great pride in his garden. His love for the land and the outdoors was matched only by the love he had for his family. He was a proud father and a deeply devoted grandfather. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished each one with all his heart.

Marshall is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy; his children: Brian (Cheri) Stein, Jennifer (Gene) Staerk, and Anita (Brad) Johnson; grandchildren: Karlie (Jerimiah) Tschumper, Bryce (Emma) Stein, Miranda Staerk, Brandon Staerk, Derrick (Alyssa) Staerk, Alexis Johnson, and Colton Johnson; and great-grandchildren: Brian Stein, Harper Stein, and Matthias Tschumper.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ardis (Don) Marquis and Robert Stein; sisters in-law Marie Stein and Vicki Stein and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were touched by his kindness and sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Marie (Ralph) Rundquist, Barbara (Lyle) Redlick, Raymond Stein, Jeanette Aubert, James Stein, Duane Stein, Richard Stein, Cameron Stein, and Dale Stein; sister-in-law Mary Huber; and nephew Jim Huber.

A Funeral Service honoring Marshall’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 130 N Grant St., Ellsworth, WI. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., two hours prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.