Walter H. Stein

Walter H. Stein died August 7, 2026, at Journey Care in Barrington, Illinois. His journey of 99 years ended peacefully, blessed and surrounded with the love of family.

Born to Charlie and Mary (Underwood) Stein in Covert, Michigan, he was the youngest of seven children.

Walter was the beloved husband of 35 years to Jeanne, and the devoted Father of David (Ann) Stein, Carol Antebi, Marcia (Eddie Brockmeyer, Michael Stein and of his children by marriage, Michael and Tom (Shelley) Daily. He was the loving Grandpa and Papa Walt of Ali (Jonathan) Carter, Dustin (June) Brockmeyer, Kelsey (Sam) Smith, Carter and Olivia Antebi, Danny Matt, Brittany Stein, Destinee (Cris) Rojo, Patrick Stein, Shannon (Eric) Mocchi, Andrew, Adam and Jessica Daily, Tyra Wendt and Dane (Dulce) Wald. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

The family would also like to acknowledge the care and compassion given to Walter by his caregivers, Chanda, Shakira and Suzie.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his siblings, George, Ivan, Ted, Karl, Audrey and Jean.

Walter was a remarkable man whose life was defined by determination, achievement, service and devotion to family. From a very young age, Walter understood the value of hard work and the importance of earning the trust of others. He attended a one-room schoolhouse from kindergarten through eighth grade, where his ambition and dependability were evident even at a young age. His teachers and elders recognized his maturity and character early on. In one memorable example, at just 12 years old, a teacher trusted Walter enough to allow him to drive her car to sports meets; a testament to the confidence others placed in him even as a boy.

Walter's sense of duty led him to make an extraordinary decision at 17 years old. He missed his high school graduation ceremony so that he could enlist in the United States Navy. After proudly serving four years in the Navy, Walter enrolled at the University of Michigan with aspirations of attending medical school. During his fourth year, however, he was called upon once again to serve his country, this time as a medical corpsman with the Marines during the Korean War. That interruption in his studies ultimately changed the course of his career and led him to pursue a degree in pharmacy.

Walter went on to enjoy an exceptional 39-year career as a pharmaceutical sales representative with Eli Lilly. His drive, intelligence, and ability to connect with people made him one of the company's outstanding producers. Over the years, he earned countless awards and trips in recognition of his remarkable performance, consistently ranking among the top producers in his district.

Service and involvement were lifelong values for Walter. He was a member of, and often held leadership positions in, numerous organizations, including the United States Navy, American Legion, Lake County Pharmacy Association, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Senior Golf League, Enterprise Club, Wedgewood Homeowners Association, Poker Club and Napkin Ring Club. Wherever he went, Walter contributed his time, leadership and enthusiasm.

Walter's passions outside of work were equally memorable. He was an avid golfer and amassed a world-renowned collection of thousands of golf balls, carefully gathered from virtually every course he ever played. He delighted in sharing his collection with others, often gifting his prized golf balls to lucky recipients in egg cartons.

He was also a serious card player, enjoying bridge, cribbage, pinochle and poker and he never lost his appetite for learning and staying informed. An avid newspaper reader, Walter faithfully tackled the daily crossword, Sudoku and word Jumble puzzles, keeping his mind as active as his life.

Yet for all of Walter's accomplishments, awards, travels, service and passions, his greatest source of pride was his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured by the honors he received or the success he achieved, but by the love he gave, the lives he touched and the memories he created with those closest to him.

Walter lived a life of purpose, perseverance, service, accomplishment and love. He will be remembered as a man who continually challenged himself to succeed.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 17 from 9-11 a.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake. Procession will follow to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake for the funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Walter's memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.