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Donald J. Stein

1931 - 2017

Donald J. Stein obituary, 1931-2017, West Lafayette, IN

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc - West Lafayette

1184 Sagamore Parkway West

West Lafayette, Indiana

Donald Stein Obituary

Donald J. Stein

Donald Jay Stein, 86, of West Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2017. Born on May 13, 1931 in St. Louis to the late C. Ross and Janice Cohen Stein, Don graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a veteran of the US Army. Don was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and a 62- year member of the John Purdue Club. He was a huge supporter of Purdue University and donated generously to Purdue Convocations, and the Athletic Department, and he even donated a "Coaches office" in Mackey Arena.

Don was the owner and President of Crown Laundry and he was instrumental in helping to develop parks and recreational areas for the Southside of Lafayette. These efforts included providing land for Hannah Park, and helping expand Hanna Community Center, building and equipping Triangle Park and Shamrock Park. He was also one of the founders and first President of the Tippecanoe County Childcare that started in the basement of the First Baptist Church and has grown into one of the largest child care agencies in the area.

Don was a long-time entrepreneur, local business owner, and avid supporter of many community organizations including the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club and actively served on their Board of Directors for over 35 years. He started the Surplus and Salvage and donated the proceeds from the business to the Boys and Girls Club and later to the YWCA. He fully supported the Southside Community Center (now the Bauer Center), Lafayette Public Library, and many other organizations. He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his dedication and service to the Lafayette community. He also developed, built and helped run the Great Skates Fun Center and donated the proceeds to local youth organizations.

Don also gave back to the community by restoring two old buildings for the public's enjoyment. The first was a 1927 gas station that was restored and donated to the City as the Red Crown Mini Museum. He worked with other civic leaders to restore the Five Points Fire Station and turned it into a children's museum for safety and fire prevention education. a museum

Other community activities in which he was an financial supporter and advisor, included : Habitat for Humanity, Lafayette Neighborhood Housing, Wildcat Creek Preservation Group, Greater Lafayette Progress, Lafayette Special Olympics, Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Temple Israel He was also an active member of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association and founded the Red Crown Mini Museum, Five Points Fire Station Museum, Great Skates Family Fun Center, and Imagination Station Children's Museum. He was a generous man who supported many youth and community organizations and he certainly touched the lives of many!

Don had a tremendous love for his work and his family. He was passionate about everything he did. Some of his most memorable times were spent with friends, his dog Max and extended family at Lake Freeman on summer weekends. He enjoyed collecting antiques and antique cars and was especially proud of his extensive collection of Purdue memorabilia that was kept at the Surplus and Salvage business.

Don was a successful , self made businessman who did not seek praise or recognition for his generous contributions to the Greater Lafayette Community. He came to Purdue as a student in 1949, fell in love with Lois, his wife of 64 years, and made a life here with his family, daughter Lori (Paul) Sabol of West Lafayette, sons Terry Stein of West Lafayette, IN and Todd (Cathy) Stein of Carmel, IN, grandchildren Kristen, Calvin, Alex, Jarrod, Sydne, and Zoe, and great-grandchildren Zane, Axel, and Koen. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Clyde R. Stein.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Don's life on Wednesday, November 22nd at Temple Israel, 620 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, IN. Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm followed by services at 6 pm officiated by Rabbi Michael Harvey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the YWCA, or Temple Israel. Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel in charge of arrangements. To sign the guest book and leave condolences please visit www.soller-baker.com

Published by Journal & Courier on Nov. 19, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Stein

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc - West Lafayette.

Not sure what to say?





A legacy that is missed by all. Tough on the outside, warm hearted on the inside.

Sue Fineman

Friend

November 11, 2020

You will be missed my friend ..rip

Lillian Douglas

Friend

February 6, 2018

I stumbled upon Don's "Surplus & Salvage" shop over 3 years ago, and quickly became a regular shopper after the first visit. While my interactions with him were somewhat sparse, I can say with certainty that Don Stein had to be one of the most generous, kind-hearted people in Lafayette. I don't think there's a charity in the county that he didn't donate to at some point! What a great guy. I'm grateful that I got to volunteer for him throughout the past few months; Don was the one I directly reported to for my first few shifts back in September. He was always happy to see me and was VERY appreciative of the work me and the other volunteers did. Surplus and Salvage won't ever be the same...

Don will be deeply missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

Rick Mueller

November 30, 2017

If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane I know you all would walk right up to Heaven and bring him back again.

I worked for Don for many years and he was a great man.

Shari Musick

November 23, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to the Stein family. Don was a remarkable man. He will be missed by many.

Ernie Randolph

November 22, 2017

Just thanks. what will Lafayette do with out you ?
I will miss seeing you at chestnut.

Pat Jim Madlung

November 22, 2017

I worked for Mr. Stein for years. He was always very kind to me. I've still to this day not met a person with his work ethic. He's a lafayette legend and will be missed.

Mandy Sizemore

November 22, 2017

Don was a true father figure to me. He provided numerous fantastic adventures for me growing up and I enjoyed many hours in his wonderful home playing with Terry and Todd. We were very fortunate to get to experience his generosity on a constant basis. From flights in his private plane, to rides on his boats at Lake Freeman, to sliding down the fire pole in his home I have so many fond memories of a great childhood. A true hero thru his charity but an even better man to know personally. RIP Mr. Don J. Stein and my sincere heartfelt condolences to Lois, Lori, Terry and Todd. Much Love to you all at this difficult time.

Greg Shankland

November 22, 2017

Even though I only knew Don a short period of time, I found him to be a very kind and generous man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family especially Lori, my ex sister-in-law.

Michael Hubert

November 21, 2017

Dear Todd and family, our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Wishing that the great memories you and your family will hold dear will offer strength to you all. Best always,

Jamie & Dana Kizer

November 21, 2017

To the family and friends of Don Stein, my condolences at the passing of a man who helped many in our community...he was active in WALLA and I enjoyed his talks to WALLA members...my thoughts and prayers are with you...

Alice Anderson

November 21, 2017

Dear Lois and family,We are sorry to hear that Don has passed. Our family will always have fond memories of him, especially from his visits to the downtown Post Office. We thank you for your years of friendship and kindness. May God give you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Mark Nugent and family

Mark Nugent

November 21, 2017

To Lori and family-What a full and generous heart your father had! I didn't know him but shared the same year of Purdue graduation with him, I worked with Lori on several court cases when i volunteered with C.A.S.A. several years ago. My thoughts and prayers reach out to all of you today and in the years to come for your loss

Joan Messing

November 21, 2017

I had the pleasure of knowing Don most of my adult life. We enjoyed an unusual business/personal relationship through the many years. Don was a workaholic. Not in the sense of a suit and tie, but famously in his signature blue workshirt. To me Don was a quiet local hero. He will be missed by family, friends and community.

Mazel tov, D.J.,
Dan Vierk

Dan Vierk

November 21, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I worked for him for 17 years at Schnaible. He was a mentor and I enjoyed my time there. I remember all the projects he would take on and that I would get to help on. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Don.

Cheryl Files

November 20, 2017

Lois and Family,
This morning,I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Don and his hard working spirit as a leader in this community. Each time I left his office, I pondered over the words of wisdom he shared with me. With all of his humbleness, he was a very impressive man.

May God's blessings of peace, comfort, and compassion surround you and your family during this challenging time.

Jos N. Holman

November 20, 2017

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DONS PASSING DON DID ALOT FOR THE COMMUNITY MOST OF MY FAMILY WORKED FOR DON AT CROWN LAUNDRY HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL PRAYERS FOR DON'S FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED GOD BLESS

THE FIELDS FAMILY

November 20, 2017

God blessed us by putting him in our lives. My heart hurts.
Don is loved by many & has done many good things for our community. With the help of staff he will continue. Such a positive influence & good example for mankind. Never to be forgotten.

Talli A. Campbell

Friend

November 20, 2017

Shari Taylor

November 20, 2017

You will be sadly missed my man. Thoughts and prayers to his daughter Lori and the entire family. Rest in forever peace now Don.

Shari Taylor

November 20, 2017

Don was so special and will be missed by many. Pleasant thoughts and memories. RIP.

Eileen Sullivan

November 19, 2017

My thoughts are with your all of your family. Don was loved and well respected by all. He was one of my Lafayette favorites. Sorry I will not be able to be with you. But will be with you in my prayers.

Sue Fineman

November 19, 2017

Paul M. Robinson

November 19, 2017

I'm saddened to hear of Don's passing but grateful for all the community effort and support he has done over his many years. Thank you, Don. Peace to you and yours.

Gailen Lee

November 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to Lois and the family. Don was a truly good and generous man who gave so much to our community.

Carole Curtis
West Lafayette y.

November 19, 2017

So sorry to hear of Don's death. I enjoyed visiting with him during Lakeries Addition Meeting in his front yard at the lake in September. He always had nice things to say about people.
Thinking of all of you at this time. Don sure did a lot of wonderful things for the City of Lafayette and the community.

Bob Morris

November 19, 2017

Don was a giving gentleman. I know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for his family and friends.

Jayne Flynn

November 19, 2017

Donald lived a full and purpose-filled life; we offer our love and condolences to the entire Stein Family at this time.

Michael & Lisa LaPorte

November 19, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Richard childers

November 19, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Nov

22

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Temple Israel,

620 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette, IN

Nov

22

Service

6:00 p.m.

Temple Israel

IN

Funeral services provided by:

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc - West Lafayette

1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906

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