Obituary of David John Stein

David John Stein, Sr. passed away at home on October 7, 2010 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous six year battle. An avid bicyclist, water enthusiast, and instrument rated pilot, he was struck overnight with spinal cord paralysis due to transverse myelitis. He was later found to have multiple myeloma cancer and met yet another challenge when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Each diagnosis was met with a persistent determination to return to his active lifestyle and walk again. David, the son of Garwin and Agnes (Clancy) Stein was born on June 12, 1941 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Pomeroy High School, Buena Vista University and Drake Law School in 1967. He practiced law in Milford, Iowa for 43 years. David loved the lakes area. He particularly enjoyed aspects of his legal practice relating to real estate development. After the passing of his father he managed the family farm and in memory of his father developed Garland Park Estates on Twin Lakes. He cared very much for his community and provided legal services to many local charities and non-profit organizations. David served a term as County Attorney, was a member of the Dickinson County Bar Association, the Milford Commercial Club, the Lawyer-Pilot Bar Association, past member of the Iowa State Bar Association Board of Governors, and American Bar Association as well as serving as Milford City Attorney, and Airport Board Commissioner. He was a member of St Joseph's Church and Kiwanis. Above all else David cared most for his family. His family enjoyed the multiple adventures in his small plane. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to waterski. David married Connie Rissman in 1967. They had 3 children, one of whom joined him in his law practice (David Jr). He is survived by his wife and best friend Connie, who lovingly cared for him during his health struggles. Sons David Jr. (Ann) and Christopher (Leah), and daughter Aimee Dietzenbach (Jeff) as well as 7 grandchildren Mari, Joseph and Michael Stein, Martha and Nicholas Stein, and Ethan and Sophia Dietzenbach. He is also survived by his three sisters and their spouses Betty (Anthony) Bulich of Del Mar, California, Jean Clancy (Harry Maixner) of Santa Barbara, California, and Peg (Bill) Helms of Ames. Sister-in-law Sharon Baldwin and brother-in-law Dick Rissman (Gloria) both of Des Moines and also many nieces and nephews with whom he felt close. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garwin and Agnes Stein, as well as his nephew Julian Frasier. Memorials will benefit the St Joseph's playground project, Mayo Clinic/St Mary's spinal cord rehabilitation facility and Cherish Center