Neil Stein, 92, of What Cheer died Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Sigourney Care Center. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery near Delta. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Neil Stanley Stein was born the son of Homer and Mary Stanley Stein on September 23, 1925 near What Cheer. He was a 1943 graduate of the What Cheer High School and on December 24, 1944 Neil was united in marriage to Avis Faas. He then spent two years in the Army serving in the Pacific Theater. When Neil returned home he and Avis began their farming career and welcomed their son Lonnie into their family.

Neil loved his farm and really never retired. He enjoyed most anything outside. In his later years he mowed the lawn three or four times a week just to be outside. In the fall he liked to ride in the combine with Lonnie, of course giving advice even when Lonnie didn't ask for it. Neil was meticulous in keeping his tools in their proper place. If tools were left out during an ongoing repair Neil made certain they were put away as soon as Lonnie left. He sold Frundts seed corn and Archer oil for over 20 years. Neil was a member of the Montezuma Square dance Club where he called square dances for several years. He was also a member of the Iowa Six Net CB Radio Club; he served as a Keokuk County Trustee and the Vice President of the Keokuk County Fair Board. One of his greatest joys was watching Lonnie and Eric play baseball. Rarely would Neil pass up an opportunity to brag about his grandson Eric and his ball games. Even as he got older he made every effort possible to attend his great granddaughter, Shelby's games as often as he could. Early in life Neil held a pilot's license for several years and always enjoyed flying Newel Roth's plane. Later Neil and Avis both bought motorcycles and made several road trips together.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Eric Stein.

Neil is survived by his wife of 72 years, Avis Stein of Sigourney; his son, Lonnie Stein of What Cheer; his granddaughter, Carrie Stein of Sigourney, and his great granddaughter Shelby Stein.