Douglas A. Stein

Douglas A. Stein, age 81 of Ham Lake, MN, peacefully passed away on the afternoon of December 1, 2020.

Douglas was born on August 10, 1939 to A.W. (Tony) & Audrey Stein in Wayzata, MN. He graduated from Wayzata High School in 1957 where he enjoyed playing baseball and was the captain of the basketball team.  Doug went on to play basketball in college in his freshman year at St. Cloud State University while pursuing a bachelor's degree in education. It was during this time he met his future wife, Barbara Curtis who was also studying to be a teacher. He would say she was the best thing that happened to him in college. They were married on July 18, 1964. Doug was a loving husband and proud father and grandfather. 

Doug was an avid bird watcher and had a great appreciation for nature.  He very much enjoyed spending time outdoors and spent many hours exploring with his grandchildren.  Doug’s teaching career started at Morris Bye Elementary School, in Coon Rapids, MN as a 5th grade teacher and continued there for 35 years. In the early days of teaching, he spent his summers working as a Police Officer for the City of Wayzata and later driving an ambulance locally as an EMT.  While living in Ham Lake, Doug was a charter member of the Ham Lake Fire Department and worked on the Volunteer Firefighter Relief Association. He served for over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter from 1969-1989. 

After retiring from public school teaching in 1995, he continued to volunteer his time and knowledge with the U of M Extension Services, teaching money management classes to adults (his favorite sayings were “spend little, save often” and “always pay yourself first”). He shared his love for birding by giving presentations to school age children at Springbrook Nature Center and Bunker Hills.  He was able to imitate the whistle of the chickadee and cardinal, often drawing the birds in closer to the group.

He was a fierce supporter of public education and the teachers who work tirelessly on behalf of the students in our community. He showed this by his actions - involving himself in local politics, the teacher’s union and, after retirement, the Anoka Hennepin Retired Staff Association. Doug was a kind servant, doing things quietly with the best of intentions. He was sensitive, compassionate and found purpose in helping others. Doug was a great conversationalist and kept up on current events, politics and social issues.  His ability to chat with others and incorporate his sense of humor is what many would say they will remember most about his personality. He always kept us entertained and laughing which proved to be the best medicine.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Barbara (Curtis), son Daniel, daughter Jennifer (Joe Youngquist), grandchildren Paige, Lauren and Noah, brother Greg (Carol Ann) of Buffalo, NY, sister Carol (Don Wright) of Cincinnati, OH and many wonderful brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

We want to extend a special thank you to the Health Partners Hospice Team #2 (Mary, Stephanie, Lisa, and Chaplain Lynn) for their wonderful care and support over the last 18 months. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ACBC Food Shelf serving Anoka County. https://www.acbcfoodshelf.com/

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11AM, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove.  Interment will be in Cambridge Union Cemetery.

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