Stephen Paul Plein

Born on October 29, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri, Steve was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Marcella (Brunsmann) Plein. Over the years, he also called San Diego, California, and Tega Cay, South Carolina, home. Steve’s life was marked by laughter, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to family.

He is survived by his sons Nathan (Amber), Patrick (Blair), and Lucas (Maggie), their mother, Kimberly Plein, and his cherished granddaughter, Hazel Grace. He was a loving brother to Elizabeth Noonan (Dave), Thomas Plein (Diane), and Peggy Rainey (Kyle), and a treasured uncle, great-uncle, and cousin to many. Also surviving are Anna Plein, the wife of his late father, and the Toomey family of Boston, Massachusetts, a natural extension of the Plein family who brought them great joy.

Steve graduated from DeSmet Jesuit High School and attended Rockhurst College before embarking on a distinguished 35-year career in manufacturing sales. Known for his charisma and quick wit, Steve earned a reputation as someone who “could sell ice to an Eskimo.” His natural charisma made him friends everywhere he went; he truly never met a stranger.

But above all, Steve was most proud of being a father. He loved sharing life lessons with his sons, especially on the baseball field, where his cardinal rule was simple: “Don’t strike out looking.”

Steve mentored hundreds of young men through his second favorite title, “Coach.” He spent over 25 years coaching baseball, from t-ball to high school, instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and grit. His happiest moments were spent at the ballpark, coaching, watching his sons play through college, or playing softball himself.

A lifelong competitor, Steve also loved skiing (“straight downhill, no turns”) and playing about 15 holes of golf per round. And through it all, he remained the ultimate San Diego Padres fan.

To all who knew him, Steve was a joyful force of nature, a man who could light up any room and always bring a smile. Though his time with us was far too short, his spirit and infectious joy will live on and be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on October 4, 2025, in San Diego, California.