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Obituary for Russell D. Stein


Local Postmaster Killed in Action On Belgium Front.


Served Kutztown office From May 1943 Until Induction On April 3rd, 1944. The flags at the Post Office, KSTC and the local school are at half mast in memory of Russell D. Stein, 37, Kutztown Postmaster and the only son of Mrs. Nora A. and the late Charles A. Stein, who was killed January 14, in Belgium, while serving as an ammunition carrier on a mortar squad in the Infantry. News of his death was received Saturday by his wife, Mrs. Helen (Saul) Stein, daughter of Dr. H. W. Saul, which followed the message two days previous, reporting him missing since January 5th.

Inducted April 3, 1944, he trained at Camp Stewart, Ga.; Fort Jackson, S.C. and Fort George Meade, Md., and was sent over seas in November arriving in France, December8th.
He was Postmaster from May 1, 1943 until induction, and on taking office said, “ I appreciate not-only the support of the public, but the hearty cooperation of the office force.”
Teacher six years;A 1926 graduated of KHS, he attended Temple University for a short time and then enrolled in Lafayette where he secured a B S Degree in Business Administration in 1930; Master of Arts Degree in 1935 at Columbia and teacher-certification at KSTC. For six years he taught mathematics at East Greenville High School. At High School he starred in basketball and played in the orchestra, and at Lafayette, was a member of the Band. He belonged to two fraternities, Alpha Chi Rho, social, and Pi Delta Epsilon, scholastic.
Business Career,His business career included the following: agent for Travelers Insurance; manager of the Liquor store, Topton and service in similar stores in Kutztown and Reading; and affiliation with the Cassel Chain stores, Reading. For a time he also served as Justice of the Peace.
Church and Lodges,He was recently re-elected a Deacon of the consistory of St. Paul’s Reformed Church, and was a member of the National Association of Postmasters; past master of Huguenot Lodge No. 377 F. & A. M., Reading consistory, Rajah Temple and Mystic Shriners; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Chamber of Commerce and the Fire Company.
Glacier Park Guide.Pvt. Stein enjoyed traveling and hunting. His travels included treks to the West Coast, Florida, Mexico and other points, and in 1930 served as a guide in Glacier Park.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter, Margaret, aged three.
Patriot, February 1, 1945.>>