Richard F. Stearns' Obituary
Richard “Dick” Stearns, a lifelong resident of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2015 with his beloved wife of 58 years by his side.
Dick, as he was known by all, was born on March 21, 1932, to Eldor and Laura (Smoody) Stearns. He married the love of his life, Deanna Doemel, on September 14, 1957 in Oshkosh.
Following in the footsteps of his brothers, David and Carl, Dick enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1952 and was honorably discharge in 1956. Following his military service, he worked as a route salesman for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for 23 years and finished his working years as a Building Engineer for the Hilton Hotel.
Dick’s devotion to his faith and family was eternally present. He took great pride in his four sons and spoke of their accomplishments at any opportunity afforded him. As a young man Dick enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and hunting. He loved taking his sons to the EAA Air Venture and sharing his enthusiasm for aviation. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan supporting the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. In his later years, he took great pride in his flower gardens that surrounded his home.
He is survived by his loving wife Deanna, his children Michael (Ursula) Stearns, Centreville, Virginia, Jim (Kathy), Stearns, Savannah, Georgia, Paul (Sarah) Stearns, Woodruff, Wisconsin and Christopher Stearns, Wichita, Kansas. Five grandchildren, Joshua (Amanda) Stearns, Jason Stearns, Amy Stearns, Kaydence Stearns, and Christopher Hoffman. Two great-grandchildren Parker and Gabriel Stearns. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Carl Stearns. Dick’s family deeply appreciates the love and support of his niece, Mary Jo Gonzales. Special thank you to Bethel Home for their attentive care of Richard.
Celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2015, at St. Jude the Apostle Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 519 Knapp St., Oshkosh. Visitation with family from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service and mass with full military honors. In lieu of flowers gifts in Dick’s memory can be made to Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, Inc. or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Poklasny Funeral Home
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