Stein, William Walter, Sr. Age 97, died peacefully on November 2 in Shoreview, Minnesota, from complications related to cancer. He is survived by two sisters, Beverly Kostelecky (Raymond), Marjorie Rainwater (Virgil); and by his three children, Sharon McNamara (Craig); Bill Stein (Rita); and Susan Weidner (James); nine grandchildren, Bradley (Renee), Brandon, Trevor, Josh, Tony, Jake, Shelby (Chandler), Matthew and Michael; and six great-grandchildren, Alanna, Benjamin, Michael, Rylan, Kambry, and Isaac. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, William and Marie Stein; and siblings Doris Davis, Gordon Stein, and Leroy (Bud) Stein. Born in Killdeer, North Dakota, Bill grew up on a small ranch. Nurtured by a neighbor woman who was a painter, Bill developed a lifelong interest in art and illustration. Upon graduating from high school in 1941, he enlisted in the air force, serving three years with the Ninth Air Force in Europe. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art & Design through the GI Education Program. He graduated in 1948 and went to work as a graphic artist for advertising firms and metropolitan newspapers. In 1952, he married Betty Jean Wood, who passed away in 2011 after 58 years together. For most of their marriage, they lived on the Mississippi River in Champlin, raising their family in a mid-century modern home Bill designed himself. Bill opened Artifex Studio in downtown Minneapolis in 1953. The next year, he began his 30-year involvement with the Hamm's Bear, illustrating the character in displays and marketing materials. His humorous illustrations are still revered by collectors. In the 2000s, he was involved in the creation of the Hamm's Collectors Club and designed the Hamm's Bear monument on display in downtown St. Paul. Bill also re-designed the Minnesota Gopher that was briefly used in the mid-1980s. A longtime member of the Isaac Walton League, Bill had a deep commitment to the environment. He also devoted his time and talent to the Champlin community and the First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Masons, VFW, American Legion, and Toastmasters International. And through it all, Bill never stopped drawing. In fact, he was working on a Hamm's Bear illustration up until his death. He is remembered as a loving father by his family; and as a good friend to virtually everyone he met. A memorial service is planned for Spring, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Animal Humane Society, animalhumanesociety.org; or Children's Home Society of Minnesota at chlss.org, or the Minnesota Izaac Walton League at: minnesotaikes.org

Published on November 8, 2020