Beth L. Stein (50) of Pepin, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2013 at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Wabasha, MN following a courageous 11 year battle with cancer.
She was born on August 23, 1963 in Madison, WI to Clifford and Barbara (Torgeson) Tomas. Beth graduated from Madison East High School in 1981 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science and a minor degree in Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1985. She married Mitch Stein of Pepin in 1987 at Sabylund Lutheran Church and they made their home on the banks of Lake Pepin.
Beth enjoyed traveling to many states throughout the country as a member of the UW- River Falls soil judging team. She worked as a crop scout for Central Agronomy Services during her senior year in college and after graduation worked 6 years for the Pepin County Conservation Dept. From 1993-2003 Beth worked side by side with her family on the Stein farm. Because of her love of books, community and helping others, she worked at the Pepin library from 2003-2013. Beth was also an active member of the Sabylund Lutheran Church and spent many meaningful years as the Superintendent of their Sunday school. She touched many children's lives with her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit.
Beth loved digging in the soil, planting her garden and growing houseplants. She enjoyed skiing, spinning yarn with friends, knitting, traveling and having fun with her family on their pontoon boat. Beth spent many healing hours sitting on her porch swing watching the lake and eagles. She was completely devoted to her husband, daughter and extended family. Her greatest joy was raising her daughter Sarah and watching her graduate from college and become a registered nurse.
Beth is survived by her husband, Mitch and daughter Sarah, of Pepin; mother, Barbara Tomas; siblings, Doug Tomas, Carol (Randy) Zwickey, Phil Tomas and Amy (Todd) Wolf; parents-in-law, Douglas & Beverly Stein; sister-in-law, Michelle (Steve) Decker, many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friend, Sue Mathews. She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Tomas.
The family wishes to extend their special thanks to the caring staff of St. Mary's hospital in Rochester, MN and St. Elizabeth's in Wabasha, MN.
Funeral services will be held at Sabylund Lutheran Church in rural Lund on Wednesday October 23, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Rev. D. Sandahl officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 12:00 until time of services at the church on Wednesday. Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand is assisting the family. To express condolences on-line please visit, obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com
Visitation
OCT 23. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CDT)
Sabylund Lutheran Church
W11137 Cty. Rd. J
Stockholm, WI 54769
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