Leonard J. “Manny” Stein, 89, Park Falls

Leonard J. “Manny” Stein, age 89, passed away on March 24, 2025, at his home in Park Falls, WI.  He was born in 1935 to Leonard M. and Karen (Knutson) Stein.

Manny attended the Fifield school and spent his entire life in the Pike Lake area.  He was raised in a small log house – without plumbing or running water, and frost-covered nails in the ceiling.  In 1957 he married the love of his life, Jeannette.  They were married for 43 years and raised six children.  After her passing, he felt fortunate to spend 20 years with his 2^nd love, Roz. 

As a young boy he loved the outdoors which likely led to his lifelong pursuits of hunting and fishing and his career with the Forest Service.  That career began in 1955 and spanned 35 years on the Chequamegon National Forest – Park Falls Ranger District… working (and playing) in the area where he grew up.  He once said “being born and raised here and having my boot tracks all over the Park Falls Ranger District is humbling.  It was a great career.”

Following in the footsteps of his dad (and sister Betty), he worked as a fire lookout in the Fifield Fire Tower.  Over the years the work included tree planting, western firefighting, and timber sale administration.  His office wall was plastered with awards including the Region’s “most distinguished timber sale administrator”.  In 1983 he helped choose the Nation’s National Christmas Tree (a 52’ white spruce from the former Riley Creek Civilian Conservation Corps camp) and traveled with a crew to deliver the tree to the Capitol in Washington DC.

After retirement, Manny continued contract work with the Forest Service and then logged with his son for 25 years, up until the age of 88, skidding about 60 cords of wood per day.

Manny was instrumental in establishing the Pike Lake Fire Department serving as its Fire Chief for 25 years.  He was a member of the Friends of the Round Lake Logging Dam and assisted with the dismantling and restoration of this historic dam.  He was also a founder and long-time board member of the Pike Lake Chain Lakes Association.  Manny was often tapped for his historical knowledge of the Pike Lake area as well as his on-the-ground knowledge… assisting in several search & rescue efforts.

If he wasn’t inventorying trees or harvesting trees, he was building with them.  A skilled craftsman, he built 3 log homes which included, finally, one for himself.

While his strong work ethic never diminished, he also knew how to have a good time.  He and Jeannette owned Stein’s Bar for a number of years where you could find him mixing & serving drinks, dancing to the jukebox with Jeannette, singing “Nikolina”, or playing the spoons.  He enjoyed family gatherings, good food, and hunting & fishing with his 3 sons.  He excelled as a parent, demonstrating his unconditional love, teaching by example, and instilling that same strong work ethic in his kids.  There were too many fun adventures to name… some safe and some not.  He once drove his Ford Bronco onto the Flambeau River to plow a skating rink for his kids… later reminiscing that it probably wasn’t his brightest moment!  He could tell a good story, belt out a song, dance a waltz or polka, and fix or build almost anything. 

Manny is survived by his children Scott (Debbie) Stein, Wendy (Phil Freeman) Stein, Jeff (Brenda) Stein, Tracey (Dennis) Carden, Randy (Angie Johnson) Stein; stepchildren Larry (Asta) Scowra and Denice (Tad) Vrana; grandchildren Jennifer, Zach, Travis, Tyler, Troy, Kendall, Cody, Joshua, and special friend Pauline Fenzl.  Also surviving are numerous step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Manny was preceded in death by his wife Jeannette, second wife Roz, daughter Kelly, sisters:  Dorothy Peters, Betty Murnik, Mary “Noonie” Szymik, Arlene Hawley, Laura “Tudi” Gunderson, Corinne “Mickey” Hoppe; brother Bobby Stein, and stepdaughter Mary.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Birch Street Funeral Service of Park Falls is assisting the family.