Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Jerry L. Stearns
1943 - 2022
Jerry L. Stearns
1943 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2022
Jerry Stearns Obituary
Jerry L. Stearns, age 78, of Freeport passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at his home. He was born October 17, 1943, the son of LaVerne and Doris Stearns. On October 5, 1995 he married his true match in life, Nel Binkley (Blehinger).
Over the years, Jerry wore many hats. He was raised on a farm and he proceeded to run the family farm for many years. He also sold real estate, was an over the road truck driver, and worked for the Dakota Co-Op. After moving on from farming, he drove trucks hauling logs and chips from 1992-1995, and lived in the beautiful mountains of Montana with Nel. After years of enjoying their time on the road, Jerry and Nel settled back in Freeport to be closer to their families. Upon retiring he found his secret passion - woodworking - and made people’s dreams come to life with wood until his passing.
He is survived by his wife Nel of Freeport, IL; son Jeff (Lori) Stearns of Davis, IL; daughter Mickey (Kevin) Weidemann of Fayette, IA; son Kirby Blehinger of Milwaukee, WI; and grandchildren Brandi (Brett) Faulkner of Galena, IL; Kirby Hovden of Cedar Rapids, IA; Meghan (Jesse Hayes) Neimon of Mukwonago, WI; Bryce (Beth) Stearns of Dakota, IL; Mallory (Mitch) Meyer of Fayette, IA; Alissa Liebchen of Waukesha, WI; Kylie Hovden (Corey Streif) of Fayette, IA; Brock (Taylor) Stearns of Lena, IL; Tate Hovden of Lexington, KY; Brandon Weidemann of Fond du Lac, WI; and Brooks Hovden of Fayette, IA. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and 13 grandpups who he loved deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Doris Stearns, son Brent Blehinger, and his best dog friends Dusty and Missy, his true partners in crime.
A celebration of life will be held on September 10, 2022 from 1-5pm at 2066 N Hendersen Rd. Freeport, IL. (Tony Alber residence)
In lieu of flowers, please send donations Mit Liebe German Shepherd Dog Rescue. www.mlgsdr.com or MLGSDR PO Box 376 Suamico, WI 54173.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com
13 Entries
Sally Moore
September 28, 2022
I believe Nel and I are related. My great great aunt was Maude Spielman Fawver. If not, I still want to send my condolences. Sally Sabin Moore
Edgar and Lola Oppenheimer
August 25, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I was totally honored by the fact that in 1981 that Jerry wanted me to sponsor him to get his Real Estate License.
Marilyn Meiners
August 23, 2022
Jerry was my favorite cousin. As kids growing up we spent a lot of time together mainly because our parents spent time together. Mom and Doris were sisters. I can remember many visits when Jerry and I spent time sitting outside talking. We talked about anything and everything and never seemed to run out of things to say. He was fun and funny. When I got married in 1960, Jerry was one of our best men. I haven’t seen him in many years, mainly because we moved East, but the fond memories are forever hidden in my heart. May God give your family much comfort as you journey through this time of loss.
Bill Wikstrom
August 23, 2022
Bill from Montana
I met Jerry and nel in the 90s when they moved to Montana. Jerry and I worked and played together while they were in Mt. We stayed friends from then on.
I will Turley miss him.
Bill
How you can show support
Erma Baal
August 23, 2022
So sorry for the loss of your loved one Nel and the rest of the family's our thoughts and prayers go out to you all
Dick Wieland
August 23, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karl and Bridget Smith
August 23, 2022
G-Pa Jerry will be greatly missed. We love each beautiful piece of furniture he made for us. Stopping out at his woodshop and talking to him and seeing the pieces he was working on was always such a treat. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
August 22, 2022
Randy and I meet Jerry and Nel on the Stern’s family vacation in March. We fell in love with them both. A super couple. Was so impressed with how active both were. Welcomed us just as if we were family. So impressed with his carpenter skills and with all many things he did career wise. Saddened us both to hear the news of his passing. Our prayers for family and friends. May God fill your hearts with precious memories to replace your tears. Dee & Randy Bailey
Claudia Painter
August 22, 2022
Goodbye Jerry, the only cousin I ever knew. Jerry's dad was the youngest brother of my grandma Rose Wienand. My brother Bob Bike lives in Eugene and has a website devoted to Freeport.
Kathi and Wally Drewa
August 22, 2022
There are no words.....just sadness.We love you.
Margie McKenzie
August 22, 2022
He had a great talent. I'll miss seeing his beautiful woodwork creations. Goodbye to my cousin-in-law.
Cary Funk
August 22, 2022
Jerry and Nel cannot be described very easily...why? They mean so much to friends and family there are not enough words to describe them. Jerry was one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. He would literally take the shirt off his back, on the spot, and give it to you should you need it. Very soft spoken, funny, sarcastic, (in a good way) and loving. Nel, you have seen a lot of heartache in your life. You are a Godsend to me and our family. I am sure there are very special plans for you on the other side. Jerry will be there, waiting. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Roger& Sue Funk
August 22, 2022
Nel, We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you!
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
321 West Main Street, Freeport, IL 61032
Make a Donation
in Jerry Stearns's name
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry Stearns's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more