George Elmer Stein, 71, of Salina, KS, passed on from this life on August 15th, 2023, at 1:25 PM. He left an enduring impact and impression on all those that he met and encountered. He was the absolute best Husband / Father / Papa to his immediate family and will be missed by not only his entire family, but also his community.
George was born on September 3, 1951, in Salina, KS to Kenneth and Dorothy Stein. He was raised on the family farm in Gypsum, KS with his six siblings until permanently moving to Salina in 1958. It was here that he lived in his childhood home until he graduated from high school.
He attended grade school at Franklin Elementary and graduated from Salina High in 1970. George was a member of the Salina High wrestling team. One of his fondest memories was that he was the first wrestler to use the “Irby” hold in competition.
He always knew how to work hard, and it was expected from an early age. He started working at the age of nine and held various jobs to earn extra money. During high school, he worked for AJ Holmquist as an equipment operator. One of George’s favorite teachers told him, “If someone asks you if you know how to do something, say yes and learn along the way.” He used this mantra to guide him in life. George immediately went to work after graduating from High School and started with JS Frank Construction. He was a laborer and did whatever was asked of him. In 1976, he went to work for Nelson and Company and worked his way into a Superintendent position. He traveled across the Midwest completing projects for them. In 1983, he started L&S Building Contractors with his longtime friend, Gene Luetters. Together they were able to build a well-respected construction company that, still today, is easily identified by its trademark use of the color, red. He used to say, “If You Want the Best, You Call L&S, If you Don’t, You Call All the Rest.” George would eventually sell his company to his son Joe, in 2003, and went on to establish and operate Broadway Mini-Storage until his retirement in 2020.
George loved donating his time, talent, and treasure to help his fellow man. He was an active and Charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10778 and the Salina Breakfast AMBUCS.
George met his wife Mary Robb in February of 1972. They exchanged vows at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on April 7, 1973. They spent fifty wonderful years together and would go on to have three children – Joe, Jenny, and Justin.
George instilled in his kids the values of hard work, education, and faith. He lived by the motto “Work Hard – Play Hard.” Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He treasured time spent with his kids and grandkids and was always looking forward to the next adventure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy, sister Barbara Ann, brother Larry, as well as brother-in-law Larry Cianciolo and sister-in-law Edna Stein.
He is survived by his wife Mary, son Joe (Nancy) Stein, daughter Jenny (Greg) Maring, and son Justin (Marisa) Stein. Together they have seven grandchildren which meant the world to him – Dawson Maring, Cole Stein, Makenzie Maring, Lauren Stein, Leah Stein, Jackson Stein, and Malone Stein, as well as siblings Anita (Melvin) Denson, Annette Cianciolo, Jolene (Leon) Weiser, John (Cathy) Stein, Bob Stein, as well as numerous nieces / nephews and extended family and friends.
George touched so many lives and was loved by all. He knew no strangers and welcomed many with his big smile, laugh, and warm hugs. He left an undeniable impression on many by supporting his kids, grandkids, and all their friends in their extra-curricular activities and was a fixture at both South and Central events for over 40 years.
There will be a visitation and celebration of life on Sunday, August 20th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Rosary to follow at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina, KS 67401. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 21st at 10:00 AM with burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery following.
Memorials in George’s Honor may be made to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Catholic Charities, and the Salina Education Foundation. Memorials may be sent in care of Ryan Mortuary & Crematory, 137 North 8th Street, Salina, KS 67401.