Larry D. Stern

Larry’s life journey began on March 30, 1950. He was born in Sterling, Illinois to his parents Gale H. Stern and Helen Irene Southard. He was raised along with three brothers, Jesse, Terry and Gary and with two sisters, Gwen and Gayle. Larry was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his family sharing many life experiences over the years.

Larry was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He attended Garwin High School in Garwin, Iowa and graduated in 1968.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Larry experienced that with Erlinda Bernarte Chua and the couple exchanged wedding vows on January 10, 1973. The wedding took place in Cavite City, Philippines. Empathic and loyal, Larry was committed to making his new family happy.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Larry was blessed with three children, Christine, Christopher and Cheryl Stern. Larry worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs, raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment. Later on, Larry was blessed with the gift eight grandchildren.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Larry enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Larry worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. Larry proudly served in the United States Navy. He retired as a QMC after 24 years. Larry received numerous medals during his service. He received a Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal with Device; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation; Navy & Marcot Overseas Service Ribbon.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Larry enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including reading, going to the movies, watching baseball, collecting baseball cards and most of all playing with his grandchildren.

Larry Dean Stern left us on July 31, 2012. He was 62 years of age. He is survived by his wife Erlinda, his daughters Christine and Cheryl and son, Christopher Stern and his grandchildren along with many other numerous family members. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A Funeral Service was held at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, California on Monday, August 13, 2012. Larry D. Stern was laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in San Diego, California.

So this is Larrys life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Larry was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Larry leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories.