Gus Zoellner Stein, 88, of Kellogg, passed away Feb. 24, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene. He was born Sept. 22, 1922, in Kellogg. Gus was the son of Edward and Valerine (Zoellner) Stein.

Gus was a lifelong resident of the Silver Valley. He attended and graduated from Kellogg High School in Kellogg in 1942.

Gus served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Gus married Joyce English on Sept. 2, 1947, in Wallace.

Gus was co-owner and operator of the Steins Grocery Stores for many years; he retired in 1987.

Gus was a member of the Gus Zoellner Post No. 36 of the American Legion in Kellogg and a 55-year member of the Kellogg Elks Lodge No. 1841 in Kellogg.

Gus especially loved and enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time at his lake cabin, fishing, boating, swimming and in his younger years water-skiing.

Gus is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joyce Stein of the family home in Kellogg; three children, Larry and his wife Peggy Stein of Coeur d'Alene, Linda and her husband Mike Newell of Harrison, and Jim and his wife Mary Stein of Rathdrum; six grandchildren Gus Stein, Ben Stein, Sean Newell, Matt Newell, Will Stein and Russell Stein; two great-grandchildren, Kaylin Stein and Luke Stein; two sisters, June Stein of Osburn and Dena Hunter of Rockville, Md.; three brothers, Al Stein of Silverton, Chuck Stein of Osburn and Hip Stein of Osburn. Gus is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin sister, Gertrude Shepard.

Cremation was held and memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2011, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kellogg, with Father Tom Loucks officiating. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at St. Rita's Parish Hall following services. Everyone is welcome.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Veterans Memorial c/o Gus Zoellner Post No. 36 of the American Legion, P.O. Box 428, Kellogg, ID 83837.

You may sign Gus' online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.