Fred Stearns' Obituary
Frederick Roy Stearns, age 99, of Oshkosh, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Bethel Home. Fred was born in Oshkosh WI September 13, 1913, the son of William and Anna (O'Krueg) Stearns. On November 1, 1939, Fred married Bernice Schmalz at St. John's Catholic Church in Oshkosh. Bernice preceded Fred in death on April 15, 1992 after 52 years of marriage. Early in his career, Fred was employed by Kalous Meat Market as a meat cutter and delivery man prior to entering the Army during WWII. Following his discharge, he was foreman for Oshkosh Tanning Co. until it moved out of the city and then worked in maintenance at the Oshkosh Clinic until his retirement in 1978. Fred was very proud of serving as a cook while in the Army. His major duty took place in the Asiatic-Pacific theater from 1943 to 1946 and he was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star in addition to three overseas service bars. Fred had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He enjoyed good music and singing, as well as socializing when he and his wife were members of a "birthday club" in his earlier years. He often commented that he wanted to live as long as his mother did, who was 105 when she died in 1974. Preceding him in death were his wife, his parents, his sister, Alice (Carl) Salzer, his brothers, Arthur, Eldor, Karl, John and their spouses, and his wife's brother and 7 sisters and their spouses. Surviving are his caregivers, Carl Jr. and Barbara Salzer and several other nephews and nieces. Special thanks are to Chris Webster, who helped in Fred's care and to Bethel Home and its staff for the great care given to Fred over the past 4 years. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 9, 2013 at 6pm in the Poklasny Funeral Home, the Rev Wm Van de Kreeke officiating. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Funeral Home, Friday from 5pm until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a Memorial has been established to the Military Veterans' Museum Fields of Honor
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