Gerald Lee Stearns, 76, of Pontoon Beach, IL, passed away Wed. Dec. 14, 2022 at his home.

He was born Sept. 30, 1946 in Granite City, IL to the late William "Bill" & Rose (Futrell) Stearns.

He and Brenda Gale Rushing were married in Granite City in 1971.  She preceded him in death Sept. 8, 2021.

Gerald worked as a carman from the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad line.  He later retired from Bollmeier Crane Co.  He was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, serving two tours from 1965 to 1970 and was a member of the VFW.

He is survived by a daughter: Cathy (Tom) Crosby of East Alton, IL; 4 sons: Christopher Stearns of Granite City, Jason Stearns of Lebanon, MO, Greg Stearns of East Alton and Jerry Lynn Sterns of Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren; a sister: Pam (Larry) Shipley of North Port, FL; and a sister-in-law: Linda Stearns of Granite City.  He was also anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill "Billy" Stearns.

Graveside services will be held for both Gerald and Brenda Stearns at 10:00 a.m. Wed. Dec. 28, 2022 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with military honors.  For those wishing to attend, please arrive at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. for a procession to the cemetery which will leave promptly at 9:15 a.m.

Arrangements with online information and guestbook through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory may be found at www.wojstrom.com .