Herbert J. Stearns

Herbert Jerome Stearns 12-28-1932 to 10-08-2024 SOUTH BEND, IN After finishing the work God had for him to do on this earth Herb was called to his heavenly home on October 8, 2024. His parents were Elijah Stearns and Mary (Gilmore) Stearns. He was born in Jamestown, Kentucky and lived in South Bend for the last 65 years. Herb was married to his childhood sweetheart, Margaret “Joan” (O’Connor) Stearns and together they had four wonderful children. Surviving children residing in South Bend are Michael Stearns and Patricia (Greg) Gilmore. Herb had ten grandchildren - Paul (Michelle) Stearns, Amie (Jason) Spellmen, Chris (Elissa) Stearns, Matthew (Katelin) Stearns, Monique (Larry) Harvell, Damon Lusk, David Stearns, Anthony Stearns, Angela (Jared Wroblewski) Stearns, and Susan (Chad) Arashiro. Herb also had many great grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Richard Stearns of Lake Havasu, AZ and his sister Lelia Evans, FL. Joan, the love of his life, proceeded him in his death along with his son, David Stearns, and his daughter, Kathy Stearns; Brothers - Everett, Donald, James, Robert; Sisters - Doris Hewes, Dorothy Sanders, Delores Wood, and Sharron Hull. Herb was a Korean War Navy veteran who proudly served onboard the U.S.S Juneau and the U.S.S Harvey E. Yarnall.  He enjoyed his time in the military and often said he would have pursued it as a career but the pull to be with his family was greater. One of his great joys was that two of his grandsons also served in the Navy. Starting with Indiana Equipment in 1953, Herb held a variety of positions ranging from shipping and receiving to general manager for the Fort Wayne territory. Herb’s true calling was sales. He worked over 40 years in the business and was still the number one salesman for the company. Herb believed in doing what was right for the customers above the sale. He knew his competitor's equipment as well his own, and his customers respected his knowledge and professionalism. It was once said that Herb has “forgotten more than most people will ever learn” about this business. Visitation will take place at Kaniewski Funeral Home on October 12, 2024 from 9am-11am followed with a Service and Celebration of Life. Graveside service and burial will follow at St Joseph Cemetery, 24980 State Road 2 South Bend, IN 46619. In lieu of plants and flowers contributions may be made to to the Center for Hospice, Mishawaka, IN

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