John Stearns, 90, of Sumner, and formerly of Oelwein passed away Sunday June 2, 2024 at Hillcrest Home in Sumner.  Graveside services will be held privately at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.  The Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family.

John Stearns was born December 14, 1933 in Fayette to parents Alfred and Thelma (Baker) Stearns.  On February 21, 1954 he was united in marriage with Sue Ohl at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  John spent the majority of his life living in the surrounding area.  When they retired they wintered in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas for 20 years.  John worked for Rath Packing until they closed and then numerous places as a machinist, as well as farming.  John Served his country honorably in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany.

John is survived by his wife Sue of 70 years; his daughters: Cindee (John) Lichter of Galva, Iowa and Connie (Marty) Hillman of Maynard, Iowa; his ten grandkids and 18 great-grandkids; his brothers: Allan Stearns and Ed Stearns; his sisters:  Kaye Puffett, Mavis Heyer, Laurel Erhardt and Janis Test. 

He was preceded in death by his sons: Scott and Douglas Stearns; his brothers: Charlie and Milford Stearns; his son-in-law Bill Hesse and Daughter-in-law Teresa Stearns.