Harold J. Stein, 96, of rural Montrose, IA died Monday, September 7, 2009 at 9:24 p.m., at the Ft. Madison Community Hospital, Ft. Madison, IA. He was born on September 19, 1912 in Wyaconda, MO, the son of John and Lena Klund Stein. On July 28, 1940, he was united in marriage to Clovere E. Brumbaugh in Canton, MO. She preceded him in death on April 23, 2007. Harold was a life-long resident of rural Montrose, IA. His favorite hobbies were fishing and hunting. Taking nature walks in the woods around his farm was an event he loved to share with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed many years of farming and gardening. Harold will be long remembered for his joyous personality and his gift of never meeting a stranger. He was employed at DuPont in Ft. Madison, IA, as an area mechanic for 25 years, starting in 1948 and retiring in 1973. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Montrose, Iowa for many years. Survivors include one daughter Patty (Wellborn) Bondanza and her husband Jim of Tamarac, FL, two sons, Dr. Ronald K. Stein and his wife Susan of Donnellson, IA, and Richard Stein of Montrose, IA; five grandchildren, Vern K. Stein and his wife Lynette of Ft. Madison, IA, Susie (Stein) Gorrell and her husband Kenny of Donnellson, IA, Phillip Stein and his wife Richelle of Pennsylvania, Amanda (Wellborn) Brown and her husband John of Grovetown, GA and Lee Wellborn and his wife Katie of Ft. Worth, TX, He is also survived by his twin sister Helen Merrell of Pueblo, CO, twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, Vernie Ralph Stein and two sisters, Adele Merrell and Edna Hawkins. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday at the Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the family.