Robert Russell Stein, 90, of Tiffin, died at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 14, 2010 at St. Francis Home, Tiffin.
He was born December 26, 1919 in New Washington, Ohio to Robert and Arevilla (Willford) Stein. He married Gertrude A. Willman October 28, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin. She died July 6, 2010.
Survivors include a brother-in-law, Constantine Terry of Tiffin, two sisters-in-law, Sr. Ann Louise Willman, RSM of Fremont, and Mrs. John (Bernice) Willman of Tiffin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Helen Lucius.
Robert was a 1938 Columbian High School graduate. He served in the United States Navy in 1939 and served the duration of World War II in the South Pacific, surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor. He attained the rank of Fire Control Man First Class on the destroyer USS Hopkins and the USS Moale, and was later stationed on the Battleship Texas (BB-35).
Robert was employed by the National Machinery Company retiring in 1986. He was a life-time member of the NRA and shot yearly at the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He was also a member of the OHCRA, having a passion for canoeing. He and fellow members of the Juquindendak Canoe Club canoed the three historical canoe river routs of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, starting from the Sandusky Bay. It was at this point the French Canadian voyagers began their canoe trips, hauling their cargo in the late 1700’s. He also was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 10 am Monday, October 18, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery with military rites at the grave site performed by the United Veteran’s Council of Seneca County. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Masses, and to the Seneca County Humane Society in care of Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.