Raymond Mark Stein of Katy, Texas And Formerly Of Pierz And Little Falls, MN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
Raymond spent his working life as ['Hughes Aircraft in Tucson', 'upper-level business management'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Love, when given fully, leaves its mark on every life it touches.
Mass of Christian Burial Celebrating the life of Raymond Mark Stein, 79, of Katy Texas and formerly of Pierz will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Camp Ripley Memorial Chapel located north of Little Falls on base. Reverend Benjamin Kociemba will officiate. Visitation and sharing will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday also at the Chapel. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, located near Camp Ripley at 1:00 p.m. with military honors provided. Raymond passed away on March 23, 2026, at DeBakey Veterans Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Raymond was born in Little Falls, Minnesota to Dr. R.J. Stein and Mary Ann (Willenbring) Stein. He was baptized Catholic at St. Joseph's Church in Pierz. He graduated from Pierz Memorial High School in 1964 where he participated in basketball, golf, and later scuba diving.
He earned a degree in government from St. John's University in 1968 and later received a master's degree in business from the University of Arizona. That same year, he married the love of his life, Roberta "Bobbi" (Preimesberger) Stein, the daughter of LaRayne (Bayerl) and Linus John Preimesberger, also of Pierz. Bobbi remained by his side throughout his life and until the end.
Following graduation, Raymond was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Security Agency, where he held a top-secret crypto clearance. He served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Medal for Meritorious Service in the combat zone. He completed his military career with the rank of Captain.
In 1971, Raymond began a distinguished 40-year career in upper-level business management. He worked at Hughes Aircraft in Tucson, Arizona, contributing to his favorite project – the B-2 bomber. Followed by years at Raytheon, Disneyland as a Comptroller, and Visa headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area until his retirement.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbi; his children and grandchildren: Shannon (Stein) Pierce of Houston, TX; Tia Stein of Everett, WA; Beckson Pierce of Kaneohe, HI; and Elise Pierce of Kaneohe, HI. He is also survived by his siblings: Don of Tucson, AZ; Paul (Julie) of Fergus Falls, MN; Mark (Stacey) of Springdale, AR; Mary Vasek of St. Cloud, MN; and Ruth (Jose) Gaytan of Winter Garden, FL; many nieces and nephews; and Aunt Sr. Joyce Willenbring.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Tisha Stein; his brother, Roy; his half-sister, Lois (Leo "Bud") Kummet; and his half-brothers: Kenneth (survived by his wife Delrose); Floyd; Dr. Robert (survived by his wife Bernadette); and Dale (survived by his wife, Ann); and brother-in-law Rick Vasek.
Throughout his life, Raymond pursued a wide range of interests with deep curiosity, including military weaponry and aviation, engineering, technology, and the greater questions of purpose and spirituality. More than anything else, his favorite times were spent with his family. He will be remembered by them with respect and admiration for his wisdom, wit, and warmth as their patriarch.
Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.
