Ronald Arthur Stein, age 72, born September 27, 1937 in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away peacefully on February 16, 2010 at the de Greeff Hospice House, in St. Louis County, Mo. surrounded by loved ones.

The only child of Arthur and Edith (Goehler) Stein, Ron lived his entire life in O'Fallon, Ill., a community he deeply loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, and many wonderfully supportive aunts and uncles who loved him like their own.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janet (White) Stein, whom he married on September 5, 1959. He was the cherished father of Lori Stein, LeAnn (John) Bearden and Leslie (Chip) Simenz. He was known as "Grandpa Ron" to six grandchildren - Mark Bearden, Ryan Bearden, Miranda Rossi, Julia Simenz, Audrey Simenz and Grace Simenz - who each in their own way made him very proud.

Ron attended O'Fallon Township High School where he graduated in 1955. He was a gifted athlete, who played basketball and baseball, and participated in track and field events. Ron is among the all-time career scoring and rebounding leaders at OTHS. Following high school, Ron planned to pursue his education at Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill. He made the decision to begin workouts with the Chicago White Sox and envisioned a successful athletic career in his future.

While at training with the White Sox, Ron became stricken with polio, thus altering the course of his life. With courage and strength, Ron entered the Rehabilitation Program at the University of Illinois in 1956. He became involved in competitive wheelchair sports—basketball, football, and track and field events. He competed in the World Paralympics (1960 in Rome, Italy and 1964 in Tokyo, Japan) and brought home 12 gold medals, winning individual events including the pentathlon for archery, swimming, shot put, javelin and club throw. Ron was billed as the "Greatest Wheelchair Athlete of His Time" by the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame. He made many lasting friendships during this time of his life.

Ron was a businessman at an early age, owning and operating O'Fallon's popular Dog 'n' Suds restaurant. He later began a long career in real estate, as broker of Realty World and ReMax. He had a strong work ethic, and enjoyed the relationships he developed through his work over the years.

Ron served on the OTHS School Board of Education from 1963-1989, acting as Secretary from 1979- 1987. He was active in various community organizations including Optimists Club, Masons, and the O'Fallon Rotary Club, for which he served as President 1984-85. Because of his commitment to service, he was presented the Distinguished Service Award from the O'Fallon Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence. For his athletic accomplishments, he was named to the OTHS Walk of Fame and the Belleville Area Athletic Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, Ron enjoyed breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. He also was deeply interested in the activities of his grandchildren, and enjoyed being the #1 fan at their sporting events. He was remarkably devoted to his wife, his family and his friends. He was an original member of O'Fallon's GWB social club, enjoying the old and new friendships that developed. Ron lived an inspiring, Christian life. The O'Fallon community will miss him and feel his absence.

In lieu of flowers, Ron's family would appreciate memorial donations be made to
University of Illinois Foundation DRES (Disability Resources and Educational Services).

Visitation: A memorial visitation will be held 1:00 to 5:00pm, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill.

Memorial Service: A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00pm, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer officiating. A reception for friends and family will follow at the church.

Private burial of cremated remains will be at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, in Fairview Heights, Ill.