Donald Eugene Stein

75, of Sun Lakes passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2011. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished banker, avid golfer and faithful friend. Don was born on December 24, 1935, in Kingston, MN, the second of twin sons to David and Zelda Stein. Don grew up on the family farm in nearby Kimball and graduated from Kimball High School. He studied business at St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1957. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, earning an honorable discharge in 1960. Don married Norma Niemann of St. Cloud on September 18, 1960. They settled in the Minneapolis area as Don began his banking career and Norma began teaching. They ultimately moved to suburban Coon Rapids, where Don maintained a residence for almost 50 years. In 1969, Don became president of First State Bank of Spring Lake Park. Over the years, he built a community banking organization with locations in Coon Rapids, Blaine and Spring Lake Park. In 1993, Don and partners sold the banks to Wells Fargo and Marquette Bank, and Don and Norma began retirement, splitting time between Minnesota and Arizona. Don was extremely active in the Twin Cities community, holding numerous leadership positions in many organizations, including the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council. He also held leadership roles in the Minnesota Bankers Association and was involved in Minnesota state politics. Don and Norma were significant benefactors of St. Cloud State University, providing scholarships for many students. They were also active supporters of their churches and fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Don will be deeply missed by his three children and their families: son David (Jenny) and grandchildren Kate, Peter, Evelyn and Claire of Madison, WI; daughter Paula Clark (Greg) and step-grandson Maxwell of Eagan, MN; and son Dan of Minneapolis. Survivors also include his twin brother Dale (Audrey) of Tucson, niece Pam Stein and nephews Derek Stein, Chris Pickett and John Pickett. Don is also survived by an extended family and remembered by a wide circle of wonderful friends in both Minnesota and Arizona. He was preceded in death by Norma, his wife of 43 years, his parents, David and Zelda Stein, and an infant brother, Milo. Services for Don will be held on Monday, March 7, at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. A memorial service also will be held in Coon Rapids, MN, later in March. Memorials may be sent to the SCSU Foundation, the Minnesota Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Joni & Friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.