Obituaries

Edward William Stain, age 79, of Pickford, Michigan, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his home. He was born May 17, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Orville Sr. and Viola (Ahola) Stain.

Ed grew up in Pickford at the family home on the corner of M-129 and Tone Road (M-80) and graduated from Pickford High School with the class of 1964. He went on to attend Lake Superior State University before proudly serving his country in the United States Army, beginning in 1967. Ed served as a Military Police Officer at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was later stationed on the security team at the East German Border Wall in Augsburg, Germany.

Following his military service, Ed returned home. He married the love of his life, Brenda McConkey on August 22, 1970, at the Pickford Church of the Nazarene. He completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lake Superior State University in 1972.

Ed began his career with the IRS in Detroit before returning to the Upper Peninsula in 1974 to partner with his brother, Jim, in founding Stain Brothers Plumbing & Heating. He was a skilled tradesman and held multiple certifications, including Journeyman Plumber, Refrigeration Technician, and Mechanical Contractor. In 1997, Ed and Jim built and began operating Midpoint Marathon on the property of their childhood home. Ed oversaw business operations at Midpoint for many years, until semi-retiring just four years ago. He still enjoyed giving guidance on operations, stopping in to talk to the employees, and driving around to check local gas prices on almost a daily basis.

Edward was a proud member of the National Rifle Association and the American Legion. He had strong political views and supported conservative politicians and agendas.

He had a deep love of camping, a passion for classic cars, an ongoing obsession for tinkering with motors and equipment, and the ability to repair almost anything. Though he often appeared serious, he had a quick wit and found humor in many situations. Ed was always enthusiastic about spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and hearing about their activities and accomplishments. Ed will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his community and loved ones, and his quiet generosity.

Ed is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Brenda Stain; children, Angela (Brian) Nettleton and Chad (Beth) Stain, both of Pickford; grandchildren, Edyn Nettleton, Ava Nettleton, Annah Stain, and Nathan Stain; siblings, Phyllis (Don) Anderson, Sharon (Ed) Piroska, and Debbie Wallis; sister-in-law, Sandra Stain, and brothers-in-law Richard (Kathy) McConkey, Steve (Peggy) McConkey, and Tim McConkey; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Viola; siblings, Orville (Beatrice) Stain Jr., David (Iris) Stain, James Stain, Alice (Everett) Eagle, Thelma (Daryl) McGill, and Gloria (James) Christensen; brother-in-law, Steve Wallis; and parents-in-law, Clifford and Bertha McConkey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Ed, please consider making a donation to the Pickford Public Schools Stain Brothers Scholarship or the Pickford Public Schools HVAC Program.