Dwight Alan Stearns (2020)

BLACK, BOYLES, FELLER, HEIMDAL, HOEK, JENSEN, POPE, STEARNS, WENNERSTRUM

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/4/2024 at 20:48:28

Iles Dunn’s Funeral Homes
Des Moines, Iowa
December 2020

Dwight Alan Stearns, 64, passed away due to complications of Covid 19, Thursday, December 17, 2020, in Des Moines at MercyOne Des Moines Hospital. Services will be held at a later date.

Dwight was born May 15, 1956, in Chariton, IA, to Otis and Ruth (Boyles) Stearns. He married Sarah Wennerstrum on April 25, 1981. They lived and raised their daughter, Elizabeth, in Earlham. After Sarah’s passing in 1993, he married Pam (Hoek) Stearns on May 1, 1999. Into this union Pam brought a son, Adam, and a daughter, Amber, making the family complete.

Dwight grew up on the family Century Farm in Lucas, IA, with his parents and 5 brothers. He wrestled for Chariton High School and graduated in 1974. Upon graduation he joined the Army in 1975 and spent 1 year in Okinawa, Japan. He left the Army in 1978 with an Honorable Discharge. He then attended DMACC obtaining his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He was then hired by the Earlham Police Department in 1980 where he spent a majority of his law enforcement career. He retired in 2011 as Chief of Police after 31 years with the force. After he retired, he went to work for the Dallas County Jail as a Transport Officer, helping to create the Transport Division as it is now.

Dwight was a member of the NRA, CIPS Shooting Club, and was a firearms instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. He enjoyed participating in Competition Shooting across the United States where he was recognized as an expert and mentor. Being beaten by a former student was a source of great pride.

Dwight loved being with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. The family would go to shooting competitions all over the United States, especially loving the yearly trips to Colorado. Dwight taught his daughter and his grandchildren to shoot and firearm safety. He also liked to hunt, fish, and camp, taking a yearly fishing trip with the Stearns men. Sports were a passion for him and he could be found watching any Iowa Hawkeye event on TV. Dwight developed a close friendship with Pam's brothers, Jon and Scott and shared his love of shooting with them. On shooting weekends they could be found sitting around a campfire late into the night, sharing stories.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Elizabeth (Jason) Heimdal of Earlham, IA, Adam Jensen of Des Moines, IA and Amber Pope of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Cameron Jensen, Riley Jensen, Lillian Black, Layton Black, Gabriel Feller, Jackson Heimdal, and Madeline Heimdal; brothers, Debra (spouse of David) Stearns, Lucas, IA, Dale (Jan) Stearns of Unionville, MO, Darrel (Carol) Stearns of Jewell, IA, Dennis (Marlene) Stearns of Woodburn, IA, and Donald Stearns of Weatherford, TX; as well as many friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sarah Wennerstrum Stearns; and brother, David Stearns.

Contributions may be made to the family for a future memorial.

Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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