Keith Stein

Jerome - U.S. Army Veteran Keith F. Stein passed away peacefully of an extended illness at the age of 83 on March 12, 2015.

Keith F. Stein was one of two sets of twins born in Joseph, Oregon (Wallowa County). He was a son to John Christian Stein and Alta Larma Fisher Stein, and had eight brothers and three sisters. After graduating in May 1951 from Enterprise High School in Oregon, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve in Enterprise, serving for two years. He served in the U.S. Army on active duty from December 28, 1953 to December 21, 1955. He received Basic Training at Ft. Lewis, Washington; Advanced Training at Fort Ord, California; trained as a wheel vehicle mechanic, and stationed at White Sands, New Mexico, pulling rockets to the launch pad. After a break of seven years, Keith continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1962 and retiring in 1976, serving a total of 27 years in military service. His final assignment was Mess Cook for D Company, 321 ^st Engineer Battalion, Twin Falls, Idaho. His awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Components Achievement Medal (3), the Armed Services Forces medal (2), Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2) (Mess Cook and Mechanic) and Marksman Medal for the M-16 rifle.

In the mid 1950’s, he met the love of his life, Barbara J. Prough, of Filer, Idaho. Keith and Barbara married on July 15, 1956, in Filer, Idaho. Keith and Barbara had children - Melanie, Mark, Andrew, Edward, and Kyle.

Keith was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to fish and hunt in Idaho. He loved to visit his parents, brothers, and sisters in Oregon each year. They shared many stories of brothers’ adventures and escapades at the family reunions.  Keith worked for the Challenge Creamery in Jerome for 20 years and had the best ice cream recipe. He also worked at the Dandy Wood Waterbeds, Universal Frozen Foods, Weston Plaza, and the Red Lion Inn. He was known for always being to work on time, and in any kind of weather.  He also worked as a custodian at the Idaho Power Office, First Baptist Church Preschool, and U.S. Bank. He also served his community as city dog catcher for the City of Jerome, and helped the Jerome Police Department when needed. Keith was also a Trustee at the First Baptist Church in Jerome, Idaho.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alta Stein, sisters Fern Wolfe, Ruby Pratt, Ruth Makin, Myron Stein, Harry Stein, and son Edward Stein.  He is survived by wife Barbara Stein; their children, Melanie, Mark, Andrew, Edward, and Kyle;  his twin brother Kenneth Stein, brothers John Stein Jr., Warner Stein, Don Stein, Dale Stein, and Gail Stein; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial celebration service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday March 21, 2015 at the First Baptist Church, 308 1st Avenue East, Jerome, Idaho. Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary of Jerome.