Terry L. Stein

Terry was born into a modest family. He was the 10th child of George and Marcella Stein. His first name was Christopher. When his mother brought him home, she changed his name to Terrence because he didn’t look like a Christopher. Terry had 12 siblings. He loved them all and knew all their birthdays. He attended elementary school at St. Catherine and Maple Terrace. He started high school at Brown Deer, and he eventually graduated from ‘Tosa West High School. He went to UW-Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in nursing. He was an ICU nurse for 26 years at the Milwaukee VA and Sinai hospital.

He wore many hats: husband, father, mechanic, sailor, registered nurse, biker – and former member of the Heavens Devils. Terry and Renee met at Dick Standard gas station where Terry was working as a mechanic while attending UMW. He fixed her car, and the rest is history. They were together for 47 years. They traveled the world, the Caribbean being their favorite place to spend time together. The most important role in their lives was becoming parents to the two greatest kids in the world, Nicole and Christopher. Terry loved being a dad, and he was a great one. Both of his children married well, adding Joshua and Kaitlyn to our family. Then came the bonus round: becoming grandparents to the boys, Caleb and Micah, and the three girls Rowan, Quinn, and Murphy – Terry called them his petunias.

Terry was proud to serve for 37 years in the Navy. He enlisted and served 2 years of active-duty service time in San Diego at Balboa Naval hospital where he ran an oncology ward. After 2 years of active service, he transitioned to the Navy Reserves where he served the remaining of his 35 service years. He was proud to have served as a Marine Corps Corpsman and to have been promoted to the rank of E7 Chief. He eventually took a commission as a Nurse Corps Officer and retired at the rank of O5 Commander. Throughout his career he served during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He was known as “The Commander” to many.

He was an honorable man. He loved his family, his country, and his friends. He is survived by his wife Renee (Marine) Stein, Nicole (Joshua) Justman, Christopher (Kaitlyn) Stein, his grandchildren: Caleb and Micah Justman. Rowan, Quinn, and Murphy Stein. Brother-in-law Robert (Karen) Marine, niece Maria (Ashley and Orry) Altadonna. Siblings: Dick Stein, Joan Burkwald, Lynn Schreiner, Thomas Stein, Timmothy Stein, Marica Fauerbach-Stein, Mary Stein, Stephen Stein, and many MANY wonderful nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents George and Marcella (Burdett) Stein, siblings: Barbara Stein, Judy Stein, Ruby Stein, John Stein, Donald Burkwald (brother-in-law), and June Marine (mother-in-law).

His words of wisdom to his grandchildren: “I’m gunna wrap you up, kick you to the curb, and make you eat whole wheat bread.” To the rest of the world: “Drive fast and take chances.” There’s a hole in our lives and our hearts hurt. He will be missed forever.

Full military honors and Nurse Honor Guard will be present for his Celebration of Life. At the conclusion of the service, Mike Burkwald who restored Terry’s beloved knuckle head (Harley Davidson motorcycle) will take him on his last run. Anyone with a bike is welcome to join Terry on his last motorcycle run. For the celebration of life, feel free to wear any military uniforms or Harley Davidson attire. The celebration will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on May 16, 2026 with visitation starting at 11:00 AM and the ceremony to take place at 2:00 PM. Appetizers and a drink ticket – on Terry – will be offered.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warriors or K9’s for Veterans.