Gary Lee Stearns

Gary Lee Stearns, the son of Russell “Pete” Wilbur and Thelma Lowene (Sunberg) Stearns, was born on January 22, 1940 in Carroll, Iowa, and died on October 15, 2020 at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 24 days.

Gary was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended rural school Melville No. 8, called Golden Knob School, and then graduated from the Audubon High School with the Class of 1958. He then attended the Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska where he studied business for one year.

On June 3, 1962, Gary was married to Janice Irene McCool in Audubon. To this union three sons were born: Gary Alan, Craig Russell, and Jeffrey Scott. Gary worked for Roberts Feed and Seed, Exira Farm Supply and the Pork Plant in Perry, Iowa. He then started farming in 1972 where he grew row crops and raised livestock.

On August 19, 2000, Gary married Marlene Riemersma Macdonald of Pella, Iowa. Gary retired from farming in 2014. Gary and Marlene continued to live on the farm until Gary moved to the Exira Care Center in October of 2017.

Preceding him in death were his sons, Gary Alan Stearns and Jeffrey Scott Stearns; his parents; and his brother, Wade Stearns.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene Stearns of Audubon, Iowa; his son, Craig and wife Dondee Stearns of Liberty, Missouri; his granddaughter, Brooke Stearns and his grandson, Brady Stearns, both of Liberty; his stepchildren: Crystal and husband Chris Smith of Georgetown, Texas; Amber Macdonald and Heather Macdonald, both of Englewood, Florida; his step-grandchildren: Zack Van Haaften and Barry and wife Kelsie Van Haaften, all of Pella, Iowa; Gretta Smith of Georgetown, Texas; Gabe Smith of Huntsville, Texas; and Cheyenne Johnson and Dakota Johnson, both of Englewood, Florida; his step-great-granddaughters, Addison, Emmalea, and Everlea Van Haaften, all of Pella, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa with Pastor Alan Seehusen officiating. The family will greet friends Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2020; from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers will be Chuck Sievert, Dennis Schreck, Darrell Shoesmith, Brady Stearns, Brooke Stearns, and David Schrampfer. Casket bearers will be Zack Schreck, Colton Schreck, Wayne Nickel, Connie Faga, Howard Lawshe, and Donnie Armentrout. Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice (613 E. Main St., Panora, IA 50216) or the Exira Care Center (411 S. Carthage St., Exira, IA 50076). The Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon is in charge of his arrangements.