Ronald Stearns

Ronald R. Stearns, 61, Rochert, Minnesota died on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, June 21, at the David-Donehower Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN with Pastor Jim Erb officiating. Interment will be in the Senjen Cemetery, Rochert.

Visitation will be 4-8 PM on Friday, June 20 with a Masonic Memorial Service beginning at 7 PM at David-Donehower and also one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

Ronald Ray Stearns was born September 22, 1946 to John and Violet (Mathewson) Stearns in Detroit Lakes. He was raised and attended District 40 country school in Rochert and graduated from Frazee High School in 1964. Ron attended Moorhead State University before entering the United States Navy in 1966. He served on the U.S.S. Picuda. Following his honorable discharge in 1969, Ron returned to Rochert and worked for American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, MN as an electrician. He was united in marriage to Shelly Gisi on April 24, 1971 at the Pinewood Chapel near Rochert. Ron owned and operated Erie Electric with Pete Olson. He then worked for Mark’s Electric in Detroit Lakes and later for MSCTC-Detroit Lakes as the building and grounds supervisor.

Ron enjoyed many things; especially, any kind of hunting, deer, ducks, elk, pheasant, goose and he would travel to Wyoming, North and South Dakota. Ron also enjoyed fishing salmon in Lake Michigan, cooking for family and friends, playing the guitar and golfing. Ron was a licensed pilot and an auxiliary policeman in Detroit Lakes. He was a member of the Shrine Club, Mount Tabor #106 Masonic Lodge, and the Eagles in Detroit Lakes.

Ron is survived by his wife, Shelly of Rochert; son, Andy of Detroit Lakes; daughter, Katie Stearns of Rochert; one brother, Bruce Stearns of Detroit Lakes; three sisters, Charlotte (Eddie) Enger of Rochert, Janet Bunn of Detroit Lakes and Susie (Mike) Ashmore of Detroit Lakes. He was preceded in death by his parents.