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Rexford Stearns Obituary
Oshkosh - Dr. Rexford Hiram Stearns Jr. passed away on February 11, 2021. Rex was born on August 3, 1930 in Oshkosh, son of Rexford H. Stearns and Eve Cole Stearns. Rex received his undergraduate training at the University of Rochester and University of Wisconsin and his dental degree at Marquette University followed by two years of service in the Navy. He then received Orthodontic training at the University of Illinois. He practiced Orthodontics in Oshkosh from 1958 until retirement in 1986. Following retirement, Rex, along with his wife Pat, developed several real estate projects, including donated conservation areas to maintain the beauty and integrity of the community in which they lived. Rex married Patricia Leach on April 5, 1958 in Oshkosh. Rex is survived by his wife, Pat, a daughter, Susan Stearns and her husband, Christopher Jacobs of Oshkosh, nephew in-law, Thomas E. Leach (Clara) and their children, Thomas and Caroline. Services will be private. Memorials have been established at The Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rexford Stearns
Sponsored by Fiss and Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home.
Donna Karwoski
February 16, 2021
The Gerth family has such fond memories of Rex Stearns. He was a great friend to our parents Anita & Don. I remember his calm voice as he worked on my mouth to straighten out the smile.... the countless trips he took with my Dad.... and telling me how he lost weight so easily avoiding sugar! Great guy~ my sincere condolences to the family.
Sandra DePeaux
February 14, 2021
Dear Pat - Mike and I were just talking the other day of the nice time we had with you and Rex. He was a very nice man and both of us liked him so much. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Best Regards, Mike and Sandy DePeaux
David Vander Linden
February 14, 2021
The Oshkosh Area Humane Society would like to express its condolences to Pat, Susan, and all of Dr. Rex's family. We are sorry for your loss.
We would also like to express our appreciation to Dr. Rex and Pat for all of your donations and support to the Humane Society through the years. Thank you also for now donating Dr. Rex's memorial gifts to the Humane Society.
Our sympathy to you at this very difficult time.
Margaret Boss Butcher
February 14, 2021
Dr. & Mrs Stearns were wonderful mentors to me during my high school years and college. My first employment was in his orthodontia office when I was 15. My mother picked me up from OHS after school & dropped me off at his Main Street office and I washed sinks, emptied garbage, did whatever the staff needed from 3:30-5pm or until I was done. Alter getting my drivers license, I also worked on Saturdays & then cared for little “Susie” at their home when needed. One day during my senior year, Dr Stearns asked me if I’d like to go to Chicago w/ he & Pat and he would take me to the Dental Hygiene school at Northwestern University’s Dental School. My parents agreed for me to go & that proved to be a life changing experience as after graduation, I was accepted into the small class of 27 hygiene students who attended from around the world. I felt his pride upon graduation. I continued to consult him several times in years following & always remember the positive impact he & Pat had on my life. My sincere sympathies to Pat, Susan, and families.
Mary Dempsey Julyan
February 13, 2021
I knew Young Dr. Rex as one of the one of the Dempsey clan. His father was a neighbor down Stoney Beach. We nine Dempsey kids would wonder if we could trick or treat there, feeling guilty asking for candy, but were greeted with friendly chuckles. I remember Young Dr. Rex as very handsome. I graduated OHS in 1961. I was the only Dempsey sibling that did NOT have braces. At least one of my brothers, there were seven, delighted in chewing caramels before his visit. Some years after I left Oshkosh a dentist recognized the work of the senior Dr. Stearns in my mouth. Quite a family legacy. They were both handsome, kind, and gifted, with great senses of humor.
Carol Kaufmann
February 13, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. The Town of Oshkosh losses such a valuable resident. We will always appreciate his gift. I will gladly be sending a donation to the Boys & Girls Club on his behalf
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