Jerry L. Stearns , age 78, of Freeport passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at his home. He was born October 17, 1943, the son of LaVerne and Doris Stearns. On October 5, 1995 he married his true match in life, Nel Binkley (Blehinger).

Over the years, Jerry wore many hats. He was raised on a farm and he proceeded to run the family farm for many years. He also sold real estate, was an over the road truck driver, and worked for the Dakota Co-Op. After moving on from farming, he drove trucks hauling logs and chips from 1992-1995, and lived in the beautiful mountains of Montana with Nel. After years of enjoying their time on the road, Jerry and Nel settled back in Freeport to be closer to their families. Upon retiring he found his secret passion - woodworking - and made people's dreams come to life with wood until his passing.

He is survived by his wife Nel of Freeport, IL; son Jeff (Lori) Stearns of Davis, IL; daughter Mickey (Kevin) Weidemann of Fayette, IA; son Kirby Blehinger of Milwaukee, WI; and grandchildren Brandi (Brett) Faulkner of Galena, IL; Kirby Hovden of Cedar Rapids, IA; Meghan (Jesse Hayes) Neimon of Mukwonago, WI; Bryce (Beth) Stearns of Dakota, IL; Mallory (Mitch) Meyer of Fayette, IA; Alissa Liebchen of Waukesha, WI; Kylie Hovden (Corey Streif) of Fayette, IA; Brock (Taylor) Stearns of Lena, IL; Tate Hovden of Lexington, KY; Brandon Weidemann of Fond du Lac, WI; and Brooks Hovden of Fayette, IA. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and 13 grandpups who he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Doris Stearns, son Brent Blehinger, and his best dog friends Dusty and Missy, his true partners in crime.

A celebration of life will be held on September 10, 2022 from 1-5pm at 2066 N Hendersen Rd. Freeport, IL. (Tony Alber residence)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations Mit Liebe German Shepherd Dog Rescue. www.mlgsdr.com or MLGSDR PO Box 376 Suamico, WI 54173.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com