Carl Victor Stein, 79, passed away surrounded by family on Jan. 13, 2018.

He was born on Feb. 9, 1938, and raised in San Jose, Calif.

Carl joined the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department in 1959. After 10 years, he relocated to Lake County, Calif., and joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Carl worked as a patrol deputy for four years and then a detective for 24 years.

He retired in 1998, after 38 years in law enforcement.

Carl returned to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in 1999 as a part-time detective for two more years of service.

In February of 2001 he joined the Lake County District Attorney’s Office as a criminal investigator, working elder abuse crimes for two years.

In April 2003, Carl joined the Clearlake Police Department as a detective. He retired for the second time in 2014 after a total of 55 years of service.

Over these years, Carl received numerous commendations and awards. In 2016, he was honored by the California State Legislature for his remarkable 55 year law enforcement career. He also earned the respect of generations of fellow officers as a mentor, colleague and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gloria; his nine children, David Stein and his wife, Mary; Ronald Stein and (in loving memory) his wife, Terri; Catherine Stein and her husband, Anthony Romo; Tabatha Gerber and her husband, Barry; Keith Stein; Benjamin Barnell; Diane Stein; Shirley Stein and her partner, Ashton; Jennifer Stein and her husband, Chuck; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his four siblings, Shirley Stein; Daniel Stein and his wife, Judy; Alex Stein and his wife, Vicki; and Art Stein and his wife, Donna.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.” A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

A celebration of life for Carl will take place at the First Baptist Church, 14550 Pearl Ave., in Clearlake at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9.

Services entrusted to Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel FD800 Lower Lake.

Please join us in remembering Carl by visiting his memorial at www.Jonesandlewis.com and share a loving memory of his life.