Keith D. Stern

Keith D. Stern obituary

Keith D. Stern

Keith Stern Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cline & Hanson Funeral & Cremations - New London on Dec. 12, 2025.
Keith's Funeral Service

Keith D. Stern (aka Uncle Chub) age 90, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born on February 12, 1935 to Gerhart and Dora (Marks) Stern. He graduated from Washington High School in New London in 1952. Keith proudly served his country as an electrician on the USS Norfolk and was honorably discharged as an EM2 in 1956. He married Lorraine Kratzke on April 19, 1958. Together they had 67 wonderful years together.

Keith loved God, his country, family and the outdoors. He instilled those values in his children. Keith taught his children to work hard and appreciate the beauty of the world God gave us. He loved hunting and both US and local history. Keith loved a good history book.

Keith is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Kenneth (Shelly) Stern, Peggy (Thomas) Theama, Sue (Chuck) Borrelli and Kelly Hancock; grandchildren, Jessica Hoier (William Mattern), Rose Marie Lapp (Adam Schamber), Brooke Theama (Spencer Bowman), Jesse Theama, Sheena Martens, Jessica (Max) Adams, Kyle (Angelina) Borrelli, Kayleigh (Erik) Osmundsen, Dakota Hancock and Marshall Hancock; sisters-in-law, Frances Stern, Cheryl (Kenneth) Krause and Faye Marks and brother-in-law, Harold Daberkow as well as other loved relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by step-mothers, Evie and Norma; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence Kratzke and Dora Popke; step-father, Cleland Popke; brother, Gerald Stern; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glenna (Don) Sipe, Jean (James) Yost, Marian (Bob) Kamba, Glen Marks,; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Daberkow and Karen Kratzke; granddaughter, Jennifer Hoier; nephews, Daniel Sipe and Larry Kamba and niece, Paula Yost.

The Funeral Service for Keith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating. The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in St. Martin Cemetery, Town of Larabee. Full military honors will be held at the church following the funeral service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Keith's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Keith Stern's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Keith Stern's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?