Obituaries

 Obituaries 

Jerry Berg       died unexpectedly in the first week of June, 2023


Master Steinologist Jerry Berg died unexpectedly at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C. earlier this week. Jerry regularly contributed articles to Prosit, answered questions on SteinTalk, spoke at multiple chapter meetings east of the Mississippi, and made feature presentations and led roundtable discussions at SCI conventions. As a long-time member of the Carolina Steiners, he served as chapter president and for many years as chapter secretary and newsletter editor. Professionally he joked that he sold brassieres for a career, serving many years in the sales department of Hanes Corporation. His home housed not only an outstanding collection of beer steins, but also other numerous antique items, including a wooden telephone booth.


Terry Hill      3/16/1938 – 5/20/2023

Longtme SCI member and Master Steinologist Terrence Gordon (Terry) Hill, 85, of Ojai, CA passed away on May 20, 2023.

Terry was born in Hollywood, CA, to Frederick Gordon Hill and Florence Dorothy Bauck, both originally from Minneapolis, MN on March 16, 1938. He attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, where his passion for learning blossomed. Continuing his educational journey, he pursued his studies at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, graduating in 1960 with a degree in History and Architecture.

Terry met his wife Claire Condon while they were in college and they were married on August 20, 1960. The Hills then moved to The Ojai Valley where Terry started his teaching career. Along with teaching for forty years, Terry had many other interests to keep him busy. Among those were involvement in organizing and working with the Ojai Swim Team and all things related to sports, collecting antiques, participating member of the Ojai Historic Preservation Committee for over twenty years, and most of all, being lovingly involved with his family.

His stein collecting friends knew Terry as a warm friend with far ranging interests. He was an inveterate researcher, and his teaching skills made him a terrific source of information. And none of us will forget his story telling ability, the smile on his face, the exuberance with which he lived.

Terry is survived by his devoted wife, Claire Hill, his daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine Schafer (Luke Schafer) and Jennifer Odermatt (Kyle Odermatt), and his cherished grandchildren: Kendall J. Odermatt, Ian J. Odermatt, Jack R. Schafer, Mollie C. Schafer, and Peter G. Schafer. He also leaves behind several nieces, cousins, and a host of friends whose lives he touched.


Jim DeMars       03/24/1933 – 06/07/2022


Jim DeMars, 89, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away on June 7, 2022.

Jim was born in Aurora, Illinois to Donald and Elizabeth DeMars and was the eldest of their 3 sons. He was an Army veteran and well respected furniture rep for 57 years. He met Charlotte (Skip), the love of his life, while they were in college. They married in 1955 and had 4 children. Jim is survived by his wife, Charlotte DeMars, his daughters, Cathleen Kessler, Mary Beth Carley (Brian), Denise Taylor (Tim), and his son Mark DeMars, as well as his 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jim devoted his life to his wife, family and his faith and was loved by all.

Jim was a longtime active member of Stein Collectors International, a hobby he pursued diligently. Over the years this led to many friendships in both the U.S. and Europe. He blessed these friendships with respect, attention, affection and generosity. He will be missed by all who knew him.


Robert Setzer       06/29/1943 – 05/07/2022


Bob Setzer 78, of Dover Delaware, formerly of Rochelle Park, NJ, passed away on May 7, 2022.

He was a former member of the Thirsty Knights and most recently the Burgermeisters from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He was an avid collector of Mettlach steins. He leaves behind 5 children and 10 grandchildren and his beloved companion Mary Sabino.
Ronald “Ron” E. Gray        – 04/25/2022
Our stein collector friend Ron Gray passed away suddenly on April 25th. Ron was a dedicated family man, highly respected in his community and by all those that knew him, especially those of us that are members of Arizona Stein Collectors.

Ron was an active member of SCI for 54 years. Over the last 22 years, Ron authored 46 articles for Prosit and the SCI web site and has been SCI’s most prominent voice on Steintalk as “Ron”. Frequent chapter meetings at Ron and Jean’s home in Sun City, AZ, were always special occasions, especially Ron’s well researched presentations.

Ron will be greatly missed by all his friends, as well as by those that did not know him personally, but enjoyed reading his many contributions to stein knowledge.
—– Arizona SteinCollectors

Thomas Maguire, Jr.       1944 – 01/20/2022
Thomas Paul Maguire Jr., age 78 of South Weymouth, unexpectedly passed away on January 20, 2022. Tom was born and raised in Charlestown Massachusetts, a place that stayed close to his heart. He began his lifelong passion for swimming at the Boys Club in Charlestown and by dipping in the Mystic River, which he fondly called the oily’s in reference to its less than pristine cleanliness. He continued swimming throughout his life and was thrilled to reach his goal of 368 miles in 2021.

Tom began his career as a telephone man climbing the poles and scaling wires in Boston’s North End. He went on to work for New England Telephone (aka Ma Bell), AT&T – and finally the Cape Cod Hospital. He was a collector of beer steins, which he displayed in his home, and beer, which he displayed in his belly. He was a skilled mixologist, never letting juice or a cheese and cracker just be. He loved music, particularly the popular songs from his youth, and couldn’t hear “Ghost Riders in the Sky” without singing along. He was a big man with a big personality. His sense of humor was unrivaled and he was never without a good comeback. He could be easily spotted in a crowd by looking for the pom-pom atop his flat cap.

Tom is survived by his truly beloved wife of nearly 53 years Margaret, his five children Anne, Thomas III, Erin, Eric and Kathleen, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Stephen R. Elliott       4/06/1945 – 01/05/2022
Stephen Raymond Elliott was born in Vallejo, CA and spent his 76 years of life as a fixture of the community before passing from this life due to complications caused by COVID-19 and acute stubbornness. Steve thoroughly enjoyed his childhood, much of which was spent finding out just how much mischief his family would tolerate. He joined his father, William G. Elliott Jr., and his brother, William G. Elliott III, as a commercial real estate broker at Elliott Real Estate in 1970 and continued a career he loved until his final days. During that time, Steve’s lasting impression on Vallejo included serving on the Vallejo City Architectural and Heritage and Planning Commissions, the Board of Directors of the Executive Lions Club of Vallejo, and St. Patrick’s-St. Vincent’s High School Board of Regents. He was best known as a consummate collector of antiques, notably a long-time member and leader in Stein Collectors International. Steve found joy in taking family and friends out on his boat on Lake Tahoe, braving the Rubicon Jeep Trail into Desolation Wilderness to go fishing, driving his vintage cars, and his regular game of poker with friends. Left with decades of fond and colorful memories are his loving wife, Suzanne Elliott; his siblings, Bill and Michele; his sons, Jason and Ryan of his former marriage to Barbara Elliott-Domingue, and his grandchildren, Maya, Samantha, and Dashiell. A memorial service in honor of Stephen will be announced and then held at a later date, when there is less risk of spreading the virus that ended his life. Donations in honor of Stephen are welcome to be directed to The Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum or the Executive Lions Club of Vallejo.
John Hataloski       1/10/1935 – 12/11/2021
John Hataloski of Shippensburg, PA passed away on December 11, 2021. John was born January 10, 1935 in Berks County, PA where he resided most of his life.

John graduated from Pottstown area High School in Pottstown, PA before serving six years in the U.S. Army and 30 years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. He was a lifetime member of the Stein Collectors International (SCI), Pennsylvania Keysteiners, Train Collectors Association (TCA) and Pennsylvania State Troopers, Lodge 65. In his retirement he enjoyed collecting old German Beer Steins (Adolf Diesinger was his specialty having one of the largest collections in the country). He also collected antique Lionel trains and enjoyed going to flea markets and local auction houses. Through the years he had many feline companions of which his beloved Bugs has survived him. He was the widower of Delores M. (Uglow) Hataloski who passed away April 4th 2018. He is survived by his son Keith E. Uglow Sr. of Grandy, NC., daughter Beth Anne Miller of Carlisle Pa, brother Bob Hataloski of Elverson, Pa, and sister Joanne Hataloski Narro, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Martin Alan Estep, Sr.       9/12/1943 – 11/30/2021
Martin Estep, Sr. of Lehigh Acres, FL, passed away suddenly on November 30, 2021. Martin is survived by his best friend and wife of 55 years, Carolyn, his son Marty, daughter Melinda, his brother Harley, sisters Anita and Natalie, and eight grandchildren.

Martin was a Marine veteran of 5 years and served in the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, he married Carolyn and they settled down in central Pennsylvania. Martin was a serious do-it-yourself person. He remodeled homes, was an expert auto mechanic, and taught himself to be very proficient with computers and web design. After spending many years as a diesel mechanic for Roadway, Martin learned the trade of photographic equipment repair and opened his own camera repair business which he operated for over 25 years. Martin and Carolyn finally retired in Lehigh Acres, FL.

Martin and Carolyn enjoyed their friends in SCI, and were active members of three chapters: Pennsylvania Keysteiners, Pittsburgh Stein Society, and the Florida Sunsteiners. They were fixtures at SCI annual conventions where Martin used his photography skills to record the events; those photo collections can be found linked from the Conventions page.

Lee Poppie       7/30/1944 – 5/20/2021
 
 
Lee Poppie of Monterey Park, CA passed away in May following years of coping with ALS.

Wife of Frank Poppie, mother of Frank Jr., Maggie and Robert, Lee was a vivacious personality whose brilliant smile warmed every friendship. She was well known to stein collectors, being an active member of Erste Gruppe and attending many SCI conventions. Her friends, far and wide, mourn her passing. The family is deeply appreciative of the expressions of sympathy and tributes they have received, and suggest contributions to the ALS Association as a fitting way to remember Lee.

Leonard Schenk       10/31/1935 – 6/29/2021
Leonard was one of our Old Timers who passed away quietly at age 85. He was already actively collection steins in the 1960s in St. Louis, Missouri. When the idea arose of creating SCI, Leonard quickly became a Charter Member. In 1969 Leonard became the Chairman for the 4th SCI Convention in 1970, held in St. Louis. As Chairman, he also took the office of SCI Vice-President. He remained actively involved with SCI for most of his life.

Also around the mid-1960s, Leonard and several other St. Louis stein collectors decided to form a local stein club which became the St. Louis Gateway Steiners. He continued to attend club gatherings until shortly before his passing. Always the collector, Leonard was still adding steins to his collection until the very end. His big smile and cheerful spirit will be missed. Peace, Leonard.

Richard Platt 1946-2021
Richard H. Platt, 74, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2021. Husband of the late Carole J. (Rose) Platt, father of Dr. Julie R. Alexander (Phill) and Amy R. Gesso (Darryl) , grandfather of Samuel and Rose Gesso, brother of Harold E. Platt, Jr. (Connie), Jeffrey M. Platt (Sandra), and Susan G. Bee (Jim).

Dick was a retired PA licensed funeral director and former inspector for the PA State Board of Funeral Directors. He was a longtime member of Stein Collectors International (membership number 706) and co-founder of the Pittsburgh Stein Society. He was a life member, formerly on the Board of Directors, and Trustee of Teutonia Männerchor. Dick proudly served in the 107 FA, PA Army National Guard from 1969-1975.

Russell Keiser 1942-2021
Russ Keiser of Mt. Airy, MD passed away at home on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Born in Baltimore and graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic High School in 1960, Russ earned a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and a Master’s degree in business from the University of Maryland. He worked for Westinghouse and later went into sales, representing a number of electronic firms. Mr. Keiser is the founder of Integral Components, a cable assembly company, in Westminster, MD.

Russ was very involved in Scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as a scout master. He was a talented wood worker. He was a lifelong collector of rocks and minerals and loved to share his knowledge with others. He was also a member of Stein Collectors International.

He is survived by his wife, of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth Thim (Betty), sons James and wife Virginia, William and wife Mary, and Matthew and wife Nancy. He also has six grandchildren Drew, Kevin, Benjamin, Kate, Brooke and T.J.

Nancy Strand 1943-2021
Nancy Strand died on April 4th of this year. She is survived by husband Jack, three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

SCI members who were fortunate enough to visit Jack and Nancy in their restored Victorian home in Oak Park, Illinois, know how hard and lovingly the couple worked to create a beautiful home filled with antiques and a large stein collection. Strong, loving, quioet, elegant, organized, meticulous are all words describing the woman, wife, sister, aunt and community member and friend that was Nancy Strand.

Judy Heiligenstein 1933-2021
Judy Heiligenstein, wife of Ron Heiligenstein, died peacefully at home after battling illness for six years. Her last wish was to see her children, grand-children and great grand-children during their Easter week visit to Tucson. The Lord granted her that wish.

Judy and Ron dated for two years in high school, through four years of college and were married in 1954, a loving relationship that lasted 73 years.

Ron is an SCI Master Steinologist and author of “Regimental Beer Steins (Reservistenkrüge) 1890-1914”, and he and Judy were regular participants at SCI conventions. The photo at left is from the 2005 convention. Judy’s bright countenance and calm demeanor will be missed.

Henry “Hank” Bahr 1937-2020
Hank passed peacefully in his sleep on December 9, 2020. He was born in Milwaukee on May 7, 1937 and lived most of his life in Wauwatosa. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Erna (nee Kotzian), of 57 years and brother Richard (Maggie) Bahr.Hank was a veteran of the US Army National Guard, attended the University of Illinois and had a lifelong career as an Architect. He enjoyed many things related to his heritage. He was a beer stein collector/appraiser and a member of Die Lustigen Steinjäger von Wisconsin stein club, member and past president of Der Milwaukee Liedertafel men’s choir, served on the original founding board of German Fest Milwaukee where he and Erna volunteered every year serving beer and displaying his steins. He was a member of St John’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years, was a loyal Packer fan who attended the Ice Bowl in 1967, enjoyed a good sheepshead game and especially loved swing and ballroom dancing. He and Erna were great at the Jitterbug.
Martin Dale Jahn 1928-2020
Martin was a family man…husband of 42 years to Pat, father of Marty, Randy and Cheryl, step-father of Jim, Eric and the late Bob, grandfather of 9, brother to Reinhardt and Loren, and uncle and friend to many. He passed away on October 10, 2020 at 91 years of age.He led an amazing life. Born and raised in Chicago, attended Morgan Park High School and Northwestern University. A US Army Veteran and entrepreneur and inventor. Martin was one of the key driving forces in the family business, Chicago Metallic and its many subsidiaries. He has many product patents in his name. Martin was an active member of the Union League Club of Chicago, where he served on the Civic and Arts Committee. Marty was a philanthropist who promoted education as the key to success. He was a patron of the arts supporting local artists, symphony, opera, theater and others. Marty was also an avid collector and member of Stein Collectors International for more than 50 years and founder of the Meister Steiner Chapter. Martin had a passion for the Straits of Mackinac area Michigan, home to his mother’s farm, and where he vacationed his whole life. Adventurous in spirit he lived an active life and embraced the philosophy of always giving back to our communities.
Tom Fox, Jr.    July 30, 1942 ~ Sept. 15, 2020
Tom Fox was a fifth generation Washingtonian and current resident of Saint Leonard, MD. He and his wife Carolyn were long term active members of SCI and Gambrinus Stein Club.Tom was a former Marine and worked for a number of years on the printing press floors of the Washington Star and Washington Post before retiring to enjoy more time at the Outer Banks, NC, antiquing and stein collecting, tinkering in the garage, attending car shows, and doing poker runs on his motorcycle.While heart disease and stroke eventually took Tom, the loss of his wife from pancreatic cancer less than a year earlier was equally as difficult for him and his family.
Leslie “Les” Whitham    1930 ~ Sept. 3, 2020
Leslie (Les) Carl Whitham, of Farmington, beloved husband of the late Charlotte (Kasmer) Whitham, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. Les graduated from Newington High School and served in the Air Force in Alaska where he deepened his love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. These passions turned into a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Maine, before starting his career as a forest ranger. Carpentry and a love of turtles were lifelong hobbies.Les and his wife Charlotte were both long term members of SCI and they each contributed greatly to the stein collecting community. Les was a friend to all he met, and his sense of humor, good will and hospitality will be missed.Memorial donations may be made in his name to the National Parks Conservation Association, 777 6th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001. https://www.npca.org/give/memorial-tribute-giving.
Beatrice “Bea” Taus    June 3, 1928 ~ July 26, 2020
Bea Taus and her husband, Herb, were longtime members of Die Golden Gate Zecher and Stein Collectors International, Inc. Bea served as SCI secretary from 2005-2008. Herb passed away December 8, 2013.Born in Chicago and raised in Duluth, MN, Bea was the oldest of three sisters. She and her late husband Herb met first as pen pals while Bea lived in Minneapolis and Herb was stationed overseas serving in the US Navy. The couple married and moved to Greendale, Wisconsin where they began their life together, establishing their family with four adopted children, Lisa (Destiny), Peter, Danny & Peggy. The family spent the children’s school years moving through the Midwest; Brookfield, WI., Minnetonka, MN., Lincolnshire, IL., and ending up on the East Coast in Centre Square, PA. In all the houses they lived in, Bea had a knack for making each place special and feel like home. In 1983 the Taus’ moved to Fremont California.Bea was a gracious hostess who enjoyed entertaining friends and relatives, often times preparing German and Polish dishes. Her father Hans was the chef at the Hotel Duluth, and his talents influenced Bea to develop what we know as her Michelin rated culinary skills. There was never a meal that didn’t begin with happy hour including a Manhattan and tray of artfully arranged appetizers, and capped by a decadent dessert!
Robert “Bob” Groebner Sr.
Bob was born in Chicago to Louis Sr. and Katherine Groebner. He was a longtime member of Stein Collectors International and an avid collector of German beer steins along with many other antiques for over 50 years. His charismatic personality made him a mentor and loyal friend to many. Bob is survived by his wife, Irene, and his son, Bob Jr., also a collector-member of SCI. Bob took great joy in spending time with his family and everyone enjoyed his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.
Roger Goll   12/15/1937 – 4/30/2020
On April 30th, our friend and long time member of Gambrinus Stein Club, Roger Goll had passed away due to complications from the Covid-19 Virus. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Patricia ‘Tish’, a son and daughter, Carl and Janine, respectfully.Roger was a U.S. Army Veteran. Roger worked for the government in the Department of Forestry until he retired around 2002 . He was an active member of American Legion Disney-Bell Post 66 in Bowie, MD. He organized wounded warrior visits to Walter Reed Medical Center. Roger was proud of his post’s donation of the Healing Garden at the Walter Reed Medical Center in 2006.Roger became a member of Gambrinus in 1973. During this time, Roger had hosted several meetings at his home, held an officer position within the club and gave various talks on steins over the years. Roger had experienced some health issues over the past few years which kept him from attending Gambrinus meetings, but he always maintained his membership and support for the club. Earlier this year, Gambrinus Stein Club had awarded Roger with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the club for his 47 years of service, devotion and support to the club.Roger was well known in Gambrinus and SCI. He will always be remembered for his service and devotion to his country, family and friends.
Robert Fiebrandt   8/31/1924 – 1/6/2020
Bob Fiebrandt of Orlando, FL, was a long-term member of SCI and the Sun Steiners chapter. He entered the Army in September 1942, serving 26 months on the front lines in France, Belgium and Germany during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in battle. Bob loved the outdoors, particularly boating, driving a series of “big rigs”, fishing and golfing. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta, his two sons Randall Robert (and Joan) and Mark Jeffrey (and Laura), 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Steve Morris   12/14/1942 – 1/1/2020
Steve Morris of Foster City, CA, was a long-term member of SCI and a founding member of die Golden Gate Zecher chapter. His enthusiasm for steins inspired him to publish “The Character Steins of Schierholz, A Reference and Price Guide” in 2007. His biographical material in that book states:”A Native Californian, I was born in 1942 and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. I was educated at City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State College. My twenty-eight year career was involved in the construction supply industry where I was one of many who pioneered the use of pneumatic gun nailers on home building sites. My hobby interests are exotic cars, being a long time Ferrari lover and member of the Ferrari Club of America for over twenty years; and, of course, my collection of beer steins. I have been a twenty year member of die Golden Gate Zecher, the Northern California chapter of Stein Collectors International (SCI). I have served as chapter president and vice president. My primary interests in life are my wife Nancy; my two daughters, Julie and Lynette; their husbands Patrick and Sean and my two granddaughters, Becca and Ella. Family, cars and steins; I love them all.”
Carolyn Lee Fox   06/22/1945 – 12/10/2019
Carolyn (Carol) Fox was a long-term member of SCI and Gambrinus Stein Club. Recipient of the Jack Heimann Service Award in 2018, she was actively involved in planning and supporting numerous SCI conventions, and her guiding hand will be missed.Read her obituary here.
Charlotte Whitham   3/30/1935 – 11/13/2019
Charlotte Whitham of Farmington, CT, was a long-term member of SCI and the die Studenten Prinz Gruppe chapter. She grew up in Newington and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and her master’s degree from Central Connecticut State College. She was the wife of Leslie Carl Whitham; the two celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past July. Charlotte was a Pulaski and New Brittan High School teacher for many years, loved by all who passed through her class and dedicated to making a difference in her students’ lives. She was an active member of the Student Prince Stein Club, a UCONN basketball and Red Sox fan, an avid reader, and beach lover. She received the Jack Lowenstein Editor’s Award for best article for “Ladies with Bustles” in the September 2006 issue of Prosit.
Arnold Frenzel   2/23/1936 – 10/16/2019
Arnold Frenzel of Newman, GA,  was a member of The Dixie Steiners chapter of SCI.
Ralph Joyce   12/14/1949 – 06/17/2018
of Weare, NH and North Andover, MA, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of June 17, 2018.  As a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Suffolk University Law School, he established a law practice in his hometown of North Andover. His professional life included service to the town of North Andover as a Selectman and as Town Attorney. He was a longtime member of Stein Collectors International and past president of the New England Steiner’s chapter. He greatly enjoyed traveling to their auctions and events, occasionally contributing an article to the membership publication Prosit, but mostly he enjoyed the community and camaraderie of the many friends he made. Ralph enjoyed spending time on his boat, spirited conversation, and had a kind and gentle heart.
Spencer Guay    09/02/1987 – 02/21/2018
With deep sadness we report the loss of our dear Erste Gruppe member, Spencer Guay, seen here with his mother, Vicki, at the 2017 SCI convention. We will miss Spencer, his warm greetings with hugs, and his many artistic interests and hobbies. He leaves a unique and deep vacancy in our hearts and within the Zecher membership. We send our deepest condolences to Vicki, Spencer’s mom.
Al Honeycutt, Jr.    09/08/1932 – 02/11/2018
A. L. (AL) Honeycutt, Jr. received an AB degree in history from Duke University in 1955. He continued graduate work in the field of history at Duke University and received an MA degree. In 1958, he joined the staff of the North Carolina Department of Archives and History and was responsible for the development of the Alamance Battleground and Fort Fisher State Historic Sites. From 1963 to 2002, Mr. Honeycutt served as restoration supervisor with the North Carolina Division of Archives and History, working on restoration projects throughout the state including the State Capitol, the Executive Mansion, and a number of important house museums. His work resulted in multiple recognition awards, and upon his retirement in 2002 Governor Mike Easley conferred upon him The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.After his retirement from state government, he engaged full time in his avocation of antiques, exhibiting at antique shows and malls in the Carolina’s and Virginia. He was a member of the Order of the First Families of North Carolina, Edenton Historical Commission, Stein Collectors International, Carolina Steiners and Sertoma Club of Raleigh. Until recent years he was a regular attendee at SCI conventions with his friend, John Lacy Kelly.
Erna Bahr
Bahr, Erna Marie (Nee Kotzian) Former resident of Wauwatosa. Passed away Nov 19, 2017 age 80. Lovingly survived by her husband of 57 years, Henry “Hank” Bahr, longtime member of Stein Collectors International.
Robert D. Wilson      1929 – 2017
Bob Wilson appeared with his wife, Colette, at the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA). Bob was the ultimate researcher, and his meticulous attention to detail earned him the affectionate title of “Mr. Mettlach.” The Museum recently announced the Robert and Colette Wilson Lecture Fund.”The Robert and Colette Wilson Lecture Fund has been established by the board of directors of the American Museum of Ceramic Art to celebrate the life of Robert Wilson (1929-2017).  Bob (aka “Mr. Mettlach”) and his late wife Colette generously supported AMOCA with a historic gift of their momentous collections of Villeroy & Boch Mettlach and Royal Worcester ceramic wares as well as significant monetary donations from 2010 and continuing.”The Fund will support educational lectures at the Museum in the field of ceramics. Charitable donations may be mailed to AMOCA, 399 N. Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767 (please reference Wilson Lecture Fund) or click here to make a donation online.”
Bernard “Bunny” Harrison      October 25, 2017
Bunny Harrison, of Slaugham, West Sussex, England, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2017, following a short stay at Maplehurst Nursing Home in Haywards Heath, from general weakness and old age after a recurrence of prostate cancer.

David Gensicke      April 20, 1934 to September 8, 2017
David J. Gensicke, 83, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on April 20, 1934, he was the son of the late Everett L. and Marjorie E. (Miller) Gensicke. He attended schools in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin before graduating from Waukesha High School in 1952. He went on to graduate from UW-Madison in 1956 with a BBA Degree and was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.David served in the United Sates Army from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1958.David was a member of SCI (Stein Collectors International), member and past president of die Lustigen Steinjaeger von Wisconsin (Jolly Stein Hunters of Wisconsin). He enjoyed collecting antique German beer steins, gardening, bicycling and rooting for the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Milton Schnitzlein      July 9, 1925 to April 21, 2017
It is with sadness that we announce the death of SCI member Milton Schnitzlein following a severe stroke. Affectionately know as “Milt” (and sometimes “Uncle Miltie”) he was a devoted husband and beer stein enthusiast. SCI Member No. 44, Milt was a charter member of the Gambrinus Stein Club and mentored countless stein collectors across the Mid-Atlantic. He and his wife Shirley hosted numerous chapter meetings in their home or in a local restaurant, especially if Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs or Maryland Crab Cakes were on the menu. Also a member of the Pennsylvania Keysteiners, Milt relished learning and sharing information about steins.Milt served as a Radioman with the Navy in the Pacific during World War II.  Radioman Milt received, decoded, and relayed communications between Allied ships during the battles of Guam and Okinawa.  After the war, Milt became a lead inspector of quarry conveyer belts across his home state of Maryland.Milt loved antiquing with his wife Shirley.  Together, they logged over 70,000 miles scouring Maryland and its shores for steins for over 58 years until Shirley’s death in 2009.Milt has been buried next to his wife Shirley at the St. Michael Lutheran Cemetery in Baltimore. He was greatly helped during his last months by the members of the church.
Bruce Ehly   09/28/1940 – 08/15/2016
Bruce Ehly began his interest in antique stein collecting when his wife, Joy, gave him his first Mettlach stein in 1970, the first Christmas of their marriage while living at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.LCOL Ehly served the Air Force with distinction as a pilot for 27 years earning many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He loved antique steins, art glass, Tiffany & his huge toy lead soldiers collection. Bruce died peacefully on August 15, 2016 and, the VA has acknowledged, as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange which defoliated the primitive air strips upon which he landed his C-130 in Vietnam. His presence will be forever missed.

Bill Mitchell
William (Bill) Mitchell      June 2, 1934 to June 22, 2016
Bill Mitchell, age 82, passed away June 22, 2016, after a long illness, at the Villages of Nazareth Living Center in St Louis. He was buried with full military honors at the Jefferson Barracks Military Cemetery, also in St. Louis. He was preceded by his wife Lillian in 2014 and is survived by his niece, Vivian Powell.  Bill was an active member of the St Louis Gateway Steiners for many years and enjoyed mentoring new collectors. As an overzealous new member, I remember  Bill telling  me, “Martin,  there  are  more steins  in the  world  than  you  have money.”  Sadly, how true. Bill and Lillian were famous for the bountiful feasts they provided during meetings at their house. During his many years with SCI Bill served as its president in 1988 and chaired the SCI convention that year as well as co-chairing two SCI mini-conventions. His passion was steins and lithographs from the pre-prohibition St Louis breweries. He loved to point to a lithograph on his wall and say “the Anheuser Busch Brewery museum doesn’t have that one!”  He will be missed by his many friends.

Stephen L. Smith      September 4, 1940 to February 12, 2016
Steve joined the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in 1964 and worked his way up the ranks over 34 years of professional service to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief/Chief Fire Marshal and retired in 1988. During his years with the Fire Department and  continuing into retirement, Steve also pursued his passion for history by collecting antiques, especially historical vessels “From Which to Drink,” building a body of knowledge in which his expertise was sought after from all over the world.

Steve’s expertise in the field of drinking vessels and his willingness to share his knowledge with other collectors earned him the Master Steinologist Award from Stein Collectors International in 1987. Steve was truly passionate about sharing his knowledge with his fellow collectors, and he was a frequent speaker at chapter meetings, never missing an opportunity to learn something new himself. He has continued to be an ambassador for the hobby of stein collecting, publishing his web site “Steve on Steins.”

Leo Frene   5/17/1932 – 4/27/2014
Leo was a member of Gambrinus Stein Club for many years until his passing in 2014.

Jack G. Lowenstein      March 19, 1927 to November 14, 1993
Editor of Prosit 1978-1993; Executive Secretary 1978-1987
Master Steinologist and recipient of the Jack Heimann Service Award

Stein Collectors International has lost one of the finest members it has ever had. Jack lost his last battle with ALS (amniolateralsclerosis) after a valiant effort. His generous spirit will always be remembered by those who knew him. When he had to retire as Prosit Editor, SCI gave him a $1000 honorarium for all of the fine work he had done over so many years. In true tradition Jack, and his wife Netty, decided to turn that honorarium over to the SCI Research Library and Archives for the purchase of educational books and tapes.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Jack emigrated to the United States in 1939, landing in New York. That emigration began his life-long love affair with the U.S. We can all remember his admonitions to us about how proud we should be to be Americans. Of course, this was always tempered by at least one or two great jokes! Jack found stein collecting passion and his alter ego in the Münchner Kindl, or Munich Child. That theme formed the basis for his collection, and he loved to dress in costume at SCI conventions, where the beer, the Gemütlichkeit and the friendship all flowed liberally.

Jack graduated from Pratt Institute as a Chemical Engineer and received his Masters degree from the University of Maryland. One of his lifelong dreams was recently fulfilled when he received his Fellowship in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Jack retired this past year as Facility Director of FMC in Princeton, New Jersey.

A great lover of opera and classical music, he and Netty shared their enjoyment of many con¬certs, and model railroading was another of his myriad hobbies. He was a Lt. Cdr. in the Naval Reserves and volunteered in the American Red Cross and the New Jersey State Museum, among other diversified charities and interests.

Jack leaves to mourn his passing, and to celebrate his extraordinary life, his wife of 43 years, Netty; his sons, Dwayne (Carol); Dr. Daniel (Milo); and his daughter Vivian, along with his loving and beloved grandchildren David, Alex, Stefan and Mira.

SCI shall miss his warmth and caring, his expertise, his encouragement and his wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace, dear friend. It was a pleasure to know you and we shall miss you beyond words.