Thomas "Tom" John Stearns

Thomas “Tom” J. Stearns, age 74 of Cleveland, MN passed away on Sunday, April 11th, 2021 at Ridgeview Nursing Home in Le Sueur. He succumbed to an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer and was in the presence of family members during his final days.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 5:00p.m.- 8:00p.m. at the St. Peter Funeral Home. Private family memorial service will be held at a later date. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com

Thomas John Stearns, the eldest son of Conrad and Helen (Zabel) Stearns, was born on October 16, 1946 in Faribault, MN.  Tom attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1964.  He then focused on vocational training in drafting and surveying for two years at Mankato’s Vo Tech school and also while enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years from 1966 to 1970.  Tom’s time in the military was primarily with the naval construction battalion (“SeaBees”) where his assignments included two consecutive tours of duty in Antarctica and one tour of duty in Vietnam.

After military service Tom returned to south central Minnesota, married Judy Jones of Cambria, MN and together they raised a family of five children; first in Lake Crystal then in Gaylord, MN.

Tom’s career as a draftsman and surveying engineer continued for over 40 years.  In terms of hobbies, Tom very much enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at his lake property on Lake Jefferson and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was also an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed traveling, particularly in retirement.

Tom is survived by his significant other of more than 20 years, Dianne Hanson; five children, Keith (Amy) Stearns of Gaylord, MN, Beth (special friend Eran Banon) Stearns of Geneva, Switzerland, Brian (Margaret) Stearns of Eden Prairie, MN, Dawn (special friend Jeffrey Farber) Stearns of Winthrop, MN, and Darcy (special friend Steve Hundley) Stearns also of Winthrop; nine grandchildren, Morgan, Hunter, Trinity, Terrell, Brady, Hudson, Savannah, Carson, and Ethan; siblings, Mary (David) Mack of Black River Falls, WI, and James (Joan) Stearns of Reston, VA; father-in-law, Mervin Jones of Cambria; sister-in-law, Vickie (Mike) Randall of Cambria; brothers-in-law, Wint (DeeAnn) Jones of Cambria and Richard (Marsha) Jones also of Cambria; and by nieces, nephews and other relatives. Tom is also survived by Dianne’s two children Robert (Jodee) Hanson and family and Sherry (Phil) Johnstone and family.

Tom was preceded in death by wife of 27 years Judy; his parents; mother-in-law, DeLoris Jones of Cambria and by his sister-in-law Connie Jones of New Ulm, MN.

Tom was a very welcoming and loving person with a profound respect and knowledge of nature. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization of choice in Tom’s name.