Richard E. "Dick" Stein, age 56, of Helena, died in his home Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002. Richard was born in Helena June 3, 1946, to Charles Joseph and Thea Delores (Welsh) Stein. He married Bertha "Bitsy" Johnson at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church Aug. 14, 1971, and they were blessed with two sons and a daughter. He loved and was very proud of his children.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy and also the Montana National Guard, Dick worked for the Department of Military Affairs in Helena, and later in maintenance for the State of Montana. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, baseball, bowling and dogs King, Chinook and their puppies. He was a member of VFW Chapter #10010 of East Helena.

Dick was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife Bertha; sons Jason Stein of Bozeman and Russell Stein of Helena; daughter Jeannie Stein of Helena; his mother Thea D. Stein; brother Charles "Chuck" (Margie) Stein of Great Falls; and sister Jean Ann (John) Clark of Helena. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at Retz Funeral Home with interment to follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, Montana Office, 3203 3rd Ave. N., Suite 203, Billings, MT 59101-1945, or to a veterans organization of the donor's choice.

Helena Independent Record, December 26, 2002