His Obituary: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Jan. 10, 2005
Ralph Stearns, 82, Webster City City died at his home on Saturday, January 8, 2005 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational UCC Church with Pastor Howard Hunt officiating. Following the Memorial Service, the American Legion Post #191 will conduct a Military Flag Presentation Ceremony at the church. Private graveside services will be held for family members prior to the Memorial Service.
Ralph Lawrence Stearns was born in Webster City on November 18, 1922, to William B. and Grace (Teal) Stearns. He attended Saratoga Country School and graduated from Webster City High School in 1941. He attended Webster City Junior College for one year then transferred to Iowa State University before being called into service during World War II. He served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Alcyone in the South Pacific. On March 3, 1944, he married Dorothy M. McKee at Webster City. He has been a member of the American Legion Post #191 for 59 years.
He faithfully served the Congregational Church and proudly saw his children and grandchildren baptized, confirmed and married in the church. We are so blessed that Ralph remained healthy enough to share the joy of three great granddaughters baptized just two months ago. Ralph, along with his wife, delivered Meals On Wheels for many years, along with many other volunteer projects. He served on the Board of Directors, and as President, for the Community Coop. He was a 4H leader for the Cass Cardinals. He kept an active interest in the operation of the farm even after they retired and moved to town.
Ralph is survived by his wife Dorothy (McKee) of 61 years, one son, Howard (Barbara) Stearns of Webster City, and one daughter, Anne (Bill) Wiebe of Des Moines. Also surviving are grandchildren, Marcy (Wade) Nelson of Gilbert, Travis (Tresa) Stearns of Cedar Rapids, step-grandchildren Eric (Missy) Larson and Jessica (Scott) Bailey all of Webster City and Ben Larson of Dothan, Alabama. His beloved great grandchildren include Riley and Isabella Nelson, Grace and Gabrielle Larson and Erin Bailey. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Wood of Pineville, Oregon, brother William (Eloise) Stearns and sisters-in-law, Doris Stearns and Marjorie Gescheidler, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Helen, brothers John and Frank, sisters, Fannie Peters, and Florence Stearns who died in infancy.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Respite, First Congregational UCC Church or a memorial of your choice.
Source: ancestry.com
