Douglas R. Stein, 66, of Hudson, WI passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2023. He was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and dog lover.

Doug enjoyed walking the prairie with his golden retriever, Toby, and their neighborhood walking companions; woodworking with his son, Aaron; gardening; reading; cooking; grilling; and watching Marvel movies. Keeping the Carpenter Nature Center’s prairie mowed so that dogs and humans alike could enjoy the paths was a contribution he gladly made to his neighborhood. He especially loved when the lupine bloomed in the spring and delighted in sharing that beauty with his children and granddaughters. Grandpa Doug cherished his time with his granddaughters, and would have a permanent smile on his face when they were around. He was always willing to “eat” whatever Emilia made for him in her play kitchen.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan on July 18, 1957, he moved with his family to Port Edwards, WI where he completed high school in 1975. He graduated from UW-River Falls with a BS in English and from the University of MN with an MFA degree. He began his career at the U of MN Bindery and retired as a Senior Content Analyst with Bestbuy.com.

Doug is survived by his children Lauren (Andrew) Mattson of River Falls, and Aaron (Marissa Smook) Stein of Minneapolis; his adored granddaughters Emilia and Lainey Mattson; his parents Donald and Patricia (Mahaney) Stein of Wisconsin Rapids; siblings Don (Sharon) Stein, Greg Stein, and Susan (Scott Ellefson) Stein, nephews Joe and Shane Stein. He is further survived by his former wife, LeAnn Stein, uncle Ronny and aunt Sally Stein and uncle Jim Mahaney along with many cousins in the Ohio area where he enjoyed many summer vacations. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his aunt Evelyn Smitley, his aunt Janette Mahaney, his sister-in-law Connie Stein and niece Lindsey Stein.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Monday, August 7 from 2-4 pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral and Cremation Services of Hudson, WI, 520 S. 11th St.