Louella "Lou" Stein, age 86, of Randolph, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Zumbrota Health Service in Zumbrota, Minnesota.
Louella was born on February 12, 1940, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Nicholas and Frances (Bauer) Langenfeld. Following her graduation from Villa Maria in Frontenac, Minnesota, she married Joseph "Joe" Stein on November 15, 1958, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. Together, they made their home in Randolph, where they raised their five children and built a life centered around faith, family, farming, and the simple joys of being together.
Lou was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker whose days were filled with the countless responsibilities of raising a family and keeping a farm household running smoothly. Much of what she did happened quietly behind the scenes, but her love and dedication could be seen in the home she kept and the family she cared for. She enjoyed tending to her garden and preserving its harvest through canning, another way she put her time and hard work into caring for those around her.
When she found a little time for herself, Lou loved to crochet. Over the years, she created countless beautiful doilies, baby blankets, and afghans, sharing her handiwork with family and friends and generously donating her creations to hospitals and charities. She also had a special talent for making beautiful hand-beaded Christmas ornaments, keepsakes that will continue to bring memories of her to those who received them. And when she wasn't busy with a project, there was a good chance she was enjoying her favorite game shows on television.
Life on the farm was never really something that came with retirement. Joe never officially retired from farming, and together they continued to enjoy the life they had built over so many years.
As the years went by, Sunday dinners became one of the family's most cherished traditions. On any given Sunday, a combination of children and grandchildren could be found gathered at the house, visiting, watching whatever sport happened to be in season, and enjoying time together. And no matter what was happening on television, everyone knew one thing for certain: supper was at 5:00 p.m. sharp, with a much-anticipated, delicious dessert to follow.
It was those simple moments-family gathered around, familiar routines, and time spent together-that made a lifetime of memories.
Lou will be remembered for her quiet strength, her hardworking nature, the love she put into everything she made, and the home where her family always had a place at the table. Though
she may no longer be sitting among them on Sunday evenings, the traditions she helped create and the memories shared around that table will live on for generations.
Louella is survived by her five children: Jerome (Joanie) Stein of Kellogg, Minnesota; Lorna (Mark) Grieger of Clifton, Colorado; Larry Stein of Randolph, Minnesota; Mike (Brandie) Stein of Grand Junction, Colorado; and Michelle (Kurt) Emery of Northfield, Minnesota.
She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and their spouses and families, including Andy Stein, Brittany and Brandon Stein, Jennifer Kleckley, Jeremy and Jessica Thomas, Brooke Covert, Briana Stein, and Kendra and Collin Emery.
Louella is further survived by her siblings, Louie (Judy) Langenfeld, Phyllis Blaeser, Frances Sitko, and Danny (Jan) Langenfeld; her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Stein and Elizabeth Otto; her brother-in-law, Larry Gerlach; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Louella was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Stein; her parents, Nicholas and Frances Langenfeld; her sisters, Mary Ellen Gerlach and Annette Stein; her brothers-in-law, Norbert Stein, Nick Stein, George Otto, and Bud Blaeser; her nieces, Nancy Langenfeld and Sandy Gerlach; and her nephews, Billy Sitko and Nick Stein Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, November 6 at 11:00 am, with a visitation two hours prior (9:00-11:00 am) at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Hampton, MN. Burial at St. Mathias Catholic Cemetery followed Mass, and then there was a luncheon and more fellowship at the church after.
Active casket bearers were grandchildren, Brandon Stein, Jennifer Kleckley, Jeremy Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Kendra Emery, and Collin Emery.
Memorials in Lou's name may be sent to St. Mathias Catholic Church (mail to: 23315 Northfield Blvd, Hampton, MN 55031 or donation link: https://secure.myvanco.com/YQ32/home), or to St. Croix Hospice (mail to: 2518 Superior Drive NW, Suite 103, Rochester MN 55901) in gratitude for the wonderful care she received.
Louella will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
