Stein Kenneth Stoess, 40, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away on May 26, 2016. He was a singer, song writer, musician but most of all a loving husband, and devoted father.

Stein was born on August 6, 1975 in Louisville, Kentucky to Ken and Lynda (Reese) Stoess. He is survived by his wife Allison (Williams) Stoess, sons Ethan Whetherby, Grayson Willard, and Harrison Willard, parents Ken and Lynda Stoess; sister Ginger Brunecz, and grandmother Irene Cree.

“I was watching for the zenith of the sun, to try and understand how it had all begun…..We could climb so high and never stop, never stop, never stop.” (a lyric from Stein’s song Watching for the Zenith of the Sun)

Stein lived each day observing and climbing and learning and growing. He lived to enjoy the earth and the people around him and in doing so replenished his world with that beauty exponentially. He was a giver, a creator, a doer, a wordsmith, a musician, an artist….a true force of nature. He loved fully and wholly and was an example of love to all who knew him. His fighting nature, peaceful spirit, and appetite for life will continue be an inspiration.

Stein loved spending his time creating music. He was a musician and singer for over half of his life, and had six albums to show for his obsession. He loved performing live and exposing audiences to a small window into his soul. He was recognized nationally by the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York and his music had a wide fan-base, who all love the depth and honesty of his sound.

Stein had a close relationship with his family. He had many happy memories of their travels. He and his sister Ginger were very close and shared the bond that only a brother and sister could. He talked to his mom Lynda on the phone daily. Her love for God and her family inspired him. They really enjoyed singing together. He always credited his work ethic to his father Ken. They spent many enjoyable hours together exploring their mutual love of history, old westerns, and guns.

Stein’s love for music was shared with his son Ethan. They also loved spending time together in nature, whether it was hiking or camping or attending music festivals. No matter what they did together, life was always an adventure.

He was a true example of balance. He loved being at home with Allison, cooking dinner, feistily debating, gardening, canning, just BEING together. He was an avid Steeler’s fan, eagerly anticipating every game of the season. He created beautiful and meaningful pieces of furniture, art, and quilts. He had a brilliant mind – a Mensa member for many years. His love of spending time in nature and of Kentucky inspired much of his music and his zest for life.

“So good night my lover, good night my favourite one; I feel so lucky to be born of Kentucky, the finest place under the sun” (a lyric from Stein’s song Kentucky)

Stein met Allison in the spring of 2010. He knew immediately that he had to know her and once he knew her, he knew he loved her. They were married on June 1, 2013 and both eagerly anticipated the rest of their lives together. Everyone who knew them could see what a beautiful and strong love they shared. Blending their families was a beautiful process. Stein’s big heart and his already undying love for his son Ethan stretched to include Allison’s sons, Harrison and Grayson. The three boys became brothers and loved spending time with each other and with Stein and Allison.

Stein’s stepson Harrison was continuously inspired by Stein’s music. Because of Stein, Harry picked up a guitar and hasn’t stopped playing since. They shared a special bond that will influence Harrison’s life and music forever. He also influenced his other stepson, Grayson, providing loving support and timely advice. Stein’s presence in their lives has helped form the young men they are today.

When Stein was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer, Allison and Stein agreed together that this was something they wanted to fight tooth and nail. And that they did. Stein was a warrior, valiantly fighting, and at times when he was too weak to fight, Allison stood firmly in his stead. Their love grew stronger through these difficult times. Every person whose life they touched came away in awe of the strength of their love and commitment and the devastating beauty of their fight together. Allison did so much more than support and care for Stein. She breathed life into him when he couldn’t do it for himself. Every look they shared expressed love and adoration. Every word was pure devotion. They both felt (and knew) how very lucky they were to have found each other, and while times were difficult, they still celebrated that love.

As a tribute to the rich and full life Stein chose to live daily and the strength he exhibited through his fight, let us also live our lives in that manner, wholly and fully, without boundaries.

“Now close your eyes, and let your worries go, while the soft moonlight gently pierces your window. And as you’re lying there, before you drift off into a dream, won’t you say a prayer- a little one just for me” (a lyric from Stein’s song Rush Home)


Visitation will be from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 and from 4:00pm until the time of the funeral service at 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home 235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243.
Memorial contributions may be to the Stein Stoess Memorial Fund in the care of Allison Stoess at Newcomer Funeral Home.


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