Jerry K. Stearns

Jerry Kenneth Stearns, age 87, of Ladysmith, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, surrounded by his loving wife of 61 years and his three children. He was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin to Kenneth and Lillian (McLellan) Stearns on December 24, 1938. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1957 and then joined the Army, spending 31 months in Germany. On November 7, 1964, he married Marilyn Staebell at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rice Lake. They moved to Ladysmith soon after where they raised their four children. Jerry worked for National Tea Grocery Store as produce manager for many years and then worked as a custodian for the Ladysmith School District.

Jerry loved sports and volunteered his time coaching youth baseball and basketball for many years. He enjoyed following his children and grandchildren’s sports and other activities as well. Jerry loved watching Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers games. He was also an avid checkers enthusiast and loved challenging family and friends to play. He rarely was beat. In his retirement years, he also enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee every morning.

He was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering his time to both the Catholic school and the church for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children Sue (Kevin) Rector, Sharon (Merle) Bullard and Joe (Carrie) Stearns; grandchildren Avery Bundgaard, Brent (Anna) Bundgaard, Nolan (Lauren) Bullard, Emma Bullard, Abby Bullard (Alex) and Grace Stearns; step-grandchildren Jason (Paige) Rector, Jack (Jennifer) Rector, Mason Roux and Isabelle Roux; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donna Weber, Marlene Bartels, Darlene Folstad and Russell Stearns and by a daughter, Diane Stearns.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on Thursday, April 30 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Father Joseph Kumar Mayakuntla and Deacon Craig Voldberg officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith with military honors provided by the Rusk County Honor Guard.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.