Robert Joseph "Bob" Stearns

Robert "Bob" Joseph Stearns, 58, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 7 month battle with metastatic melanoma. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Bob lived his life with an energy, optimism, and generosity that inspired everyone who knew him.
Born to Gary and Toni Stearns, Bob grew up in Elmhurst-the community he cherished his entire life. He attended Hawthorne Elementary, Sandburg Middle School, and York High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. A standout wide receiver on the football team and a talented sprinter on the track team, he was proud to be a Duke both on and off the field.
After high school, Bob attended Northern Illinois University, where he played football his freshman year before pursuing a degree in math education. He later earned his MBA from the University of Iowa, where he also served as a teaching assistant in the marketing department. It was during those college years that Bob discovered two lifelong loves-his passion for business and his devotion to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
But the greatest love of his life began when he met Kristi. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. They first made their home in Gurnee, where they welcomed their children Kyle and Bailey, before eventually returning to Bob's beloved Elmhurst-a place that brought him immense joy and lifelong friendships. Their family was later complete with the addition of their youngest son, Kameron.
Bob's professional career was as vibrant and impactful as his personal life. After successful years with United and FedEx, he found his true calling at Boston Scientific. There, he combined his love of people with his passion for helping others, thriving in a career that allowed him to make a real difference in patients' lives. Bob's colleagues remember him not only for his excellence and drive, but for his mentorship, humor, and the light he brought into every room.
As much as he loved his work, his most important job was being a dad. He coached his children's sports teams, cheered from the sidelines, and celebrated every milestone with enthusiasm and pride. He was a man who lived life fully, Bob believed deeply in the power of family, friendship, and joy.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Kristi (Sloan), and their children Kyle (and fiancée Emily Simo), Bailey, and Kameron; his mother Toni Stearns; his siblings Scott and Jenny; and countless dear friends who became like family. He will be remembered for his humor, his strength, his contagious optimism, and the endless love he gave to those around him.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 with a visitation from 3 – 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 125 W. Church Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to The Melanoma Research Foundation or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes in his memory. You can also honor Bob by living as he did - loving fully, laughing often, and embracing every moment.
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For more information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Joseph Stearns, please visit our floral store.