Arthur Conrad Stearns

Arthur Stearns Obituary
Arthur "Conrad" Stearns was born February 18, 1951, in Willimantic, Connecticut to the late Arthur B. Stearns and Louise Welden Stearns. He passed away August 29, 2024, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Conrad leaves Carolyn Marshall Stearns, his wife of 47 years, and four children and their families: Katherine Stearns Petersen (Andrew) of Pennsylvania, Stacey Stearns of Mansfield, Heidi Stearns Groeger (Joseph) of Mansfield, and Timothy Stearns (Arielle) of Mansfield. He also leaves five grandchildren who gave him great joy: Alexa, William, Ainsley, Conrad, and Madeline. Conrad was beloved by all who knew him for his kindness and wonderful personality and will be greatly missed.
Conrad was the ultimate dairy farmer, dedicating his career to Mountain Dairy, his family's dairy farm in Mansfield, where he was the backbone. He took great pride in producing high-quality dairy products from the family farm. Conrad began work as a child and started his own herd of cattle at age thirteen as a side enterprise. He was very proud of his part in securing the permanent protection of the farm under the Connecticut Farmland Preservation program in 2015. Conrad worked alongside his brothers Leslie and Craig at Mountain Dairy.
Driving horses was a favorite activity, along with collecting equine art and dairy memorabilia. His favorite places to visit included Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Cape Cod, the coastlines of New Hampshire and Maine, along with museums and antique shops. He had fond memories of a 4-H youth trip to England as well.
He is also survived by his siblings Leslie Stearns (Ellen), Janet Kozin (Chip), Marilyn Gould (Mickey), Kevin Stearns (Penny), and Craig Stearns (Lisa), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by Calvin, his beloved little brother, and sister Beverly. Conrad also leaves half-siblings Eliza and Shepherd and their late brother Wallace, and their families.
A private burial is planned. Family and friends are welcome to gather at one of Conrad's favorite places to relax, the Pavilion in Mansfield Hollow State Park from 1:30-3:30 pm on Saturday, August 31st (Bassetts Bridge Road, Mansfield Center).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Conrad's memory 4-H through the Tolland County Extension Center account (22344) at the University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.; or the Friends of Mansfield Hollow, c/o PO Box 442, Mansfield Center, CT, 06250.
Checks for 4-H at the Tolland County Extension Center can be made payable to the UConn Foundation, Inc. and mailed to:
The UConn Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Data Services
2390 Alumni Dr., Unit 3206
Storrs, CT 06269-3206
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