Born February 19, 1948 in Pekin to Erric Leon and Amelia M. (Sangalli) Stearnes, he married Margaret Happach on June 27, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Dr. Jeffrey (Lisa) Stearnes of Papillion, Nebraska; one daughter, Jill (Jonathan) Martin of Pekin; five grandchildren, Benjamin Stearnes, Katelyn Stearnes, Madeline Stearnes, Sophia Martin and Sam Martin; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Happach of Pekin; one sister-in-law, Barbara (Dominic) Stroud of Dallas, Texas and several cousins including two cousins he was especially close to, JoLeen Mabry of Prospect Heights and Mark (Nancy) Vidic of Nashville, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marva McQuade.
A graduate of Pekin schools, Butch also attended Brush Hill school in rural Pekin as a child.
Butch proudly served in the Illinois Air National Guard for more than five years, a commitment that reflected a life marked by duty and respect for something greater than himself. He worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville for more than 40 years, retiring as Telecommunications Manager in 2008.
Butch had a gift for spotting a four-leaf clover immediately, and he brought that same attentive spirit to the people around him. Socializing was natural for Butch whether enjoying a game of Euchre where he was the self-proclaimed “Mr. Euchre”, or as the designated 50/50 seller at church or VFW functions. He took satisfaction and pride in caring for his property and thoroughly enjoyed time spent welcoming everyone with a smile and laughter at Butch’s Sports Barn.
Above all, Butch was devoted to his family. He adored his grandchildren and never missed any of their activities. He was a steady presence and encouragement that will be remembered forever.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.
His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to St. Joseph Catholic School, 300 South 6th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com
