Rev. Phillip J. Stein

Phillip J. Stein, 53 of La Crosse, was called home for his long awaited foot race with the angels on Sunday, September 21, 2014. He was born in Sandwich, Il, on April 20, 1961 to Edward and Naomi (Phelps) Stein. On September 7, 1985 he married Jodi L. Slaney in Baraboo, WI.
Phil started out his career with the United States Army in the infantry, serving in the ranger battalion. A life change led him into the ministry and he graduated from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO. He served as pastor of the Reedsburg Nazarene Church and was currently a pastor at La Crosse Nazarene Church. He loved serving as a local police chaplain knowing it was a way to bring the comfort of God to others. He used his passion for hunting and fishing as a way to serve others by being a hunter safety instructor. This was a great source of joy in his life. He changed countless children’s lives by directing kid’s camp and introducing them to the love of Jesus.
Phil believed in the power of a life transformed by Jesus Christ, himself experiencing complete healing from alcohol and crystal meth addiction. He walked out this belief by ministering to others on their own healing journeys. He was a total people person and loved nothing better than being in the midst of a group, small or large. He had the ability to turn any gathering into a celebration, bringing joy and laughter to all. His joy of children was evident, as he was just a big kid at heart himself.
Phil’s wife Jodi was the love of his life and he referred to her as the “woman who made me who I am today”. He deeply loved his family both church and biological, giving himself selflessly to minister in whatever way needed. Just as Phil lived “larger than life”, he leaves behind a huge hole. This we do know for sure, Heaven just became a lot louder.
Phil is survived by his wife, Jodi (Slaney) Stein and cat “Smokie” of La Crosse, his mother Naomi Stein of Viroqua, WI, Six siblings: John Stein of Sandwich, IL, Linda Miller of Fredericksburg, VA, Donna (Joe) Niles of LaFarge,WI, Cindy (Marlin) Kauffman of Lebanon, OR, Deborah Frazier of Muscoda, WI, and Naomi Carol (Phil) Rachuj of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by brother-in-law Wally Ferrel, one sister in law, Michelle (Kim) Johnson, brother in law, Rob (Dorinda) Slaney, a special friend Dewey Waddell and many other relatives and friends. Phil was preceded in death by his sister Connie Lynn Ferrell, his father Edward H. Stein, and father-in-law Robert Slaney.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, September 26, 2014 at Living Word Christian Church, 2015 Ward Ave., La Crosse. Burial will be in the St. Patrick's Melancthon Creek Cemetery, rural Richland County. Friends may call on the family Thursday evening from 4 until 8 pm at La Crosse Nazarene Church; 1831 George St. Visitation will also be held Friday morning at Living Word Christian Church from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Church of The Nazarene building fund.