William (Bill) Edward Stearns, 90, died early Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Crestview Manor Nursing Home where he had been for almost three years.
William Edward Stearns was born March 27, 1926, the son of William Bradford Stearns and Grace Elizabeth Teal.
After graduating from high school in 1945, he was drafted and served in the army, later transferred to the Air Force being stationed on the Pacific island of Tinian. As a corporal he served as a supply clerk.
Returning home in 1947 he began farming on the Stearns farm between Webster City and Stanhope.
On June 11, 1950, he married Eloise Annetta Hemken. The couple lived on the farm until 1992.
Farming was his life, which he enjoyed. After retiring from farming in 1992, the couple moved to Webster City and spent many winters in Arizona.
He will be missed greatly by his wife, Eloise and three children, Jocelyn (John) Halverson of Bothell, WA, Timothy (Vicki) Stearns of Iowa Falls, IA, and Joyce (Lynn) Chase of Colorado Springs, CO. His ten grandchildren include Seth (Dennette) Stearns, Tami (Wade) Feickert, Miranda (Glen) Carson, Nathaniel (Christina) Halverson, Sarah (Ryan) Chaney, Matthew (Michele) Halverson, Caleb (Libby) Halverson, Carson Chase, Grace Halverson and Brittany Chase. Eight great grandchildren are Lucas and Emma Stearns, Coltie and Ella Carson, Gage and Gavin Feickert, Evangeline and Jael Halverson. Also to cherish his memory are sister-in-laws, Doris Stearns, Dorothy Stearns, Ann Hemken and in-laws, Joanna and Arvid Magnussen, many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John, Frank, Ralph, and sisters, Marjorie, Fannie and infant sister Florence.
He was a member of the Church of Christ and served as an usher and deacon for many years. He loved to travel and spend winters in Arizona.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ, 900 Des Moines Street, Webster City, IA, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Private burial will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Northeast Iowa Christian Service Camp in memory of Bill.
Source: Obituary published by Foster Funeral and Cremation Center
