Duane Hubert Stearns, age 85, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, slipping away from the warm embrace of family and friends into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Duane prided himself on being from the small farming community of St. Johns, Michigan. He loved his country and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Duane had a strong faith that he carried with him throughout his life, and was a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids. He worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation for over 40 years as a highway inspector. In his free time, you could find Duane outdoors. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, woodworking, watching the Detroit Tigers and MSU sports, taking spontaneous road trips, or simply sitting back and enjoying a beer with old friends. Most importantly, Duane was a family man who loved nothing more than to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Surviving him are his children, Mike (Marie-Christine) Stearns of Grand Rapids, and Lisa (Brian) Lancaster of Jenison; grandchildren, Amelie and Nathan Stearns, and Tyler and Jake Lancaster; brother, Lloyd (Jan) Stearns; brother-in-law, Rollie Kloeckner; sister-in-law, Rhonda (Wayne) Dedyne; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Duane was preceded in death by: his beloved wife, Cheryl Stearns; parents, Hubert and Coleta Stearns; parents-in-law, Clemens and Marcella Kloeckner; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Kloeckner. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids at 11:00am. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of the service. Following services at St. James, a prayer service will be held prior to burial at St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Johns at 2:00pm, with burial at St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery to follow shortly after. Family will welcome visitors prior to the prayer service starting at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Emmanuel Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.
