Richard “Rick” Stearns, Sr., age 75, of Valley City, ND, died Saturday, March 16, 2024 at CHI-Mercy Health in Valley City.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 21st at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Valley City.  Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church on Thursday afternoon.  Inurnment will be in Woodbine Cemetery in the spring.  A livestream of Rick’s service and an online guestbook will be available at www.lerudmathias.com.

Richard Lyle Stearns, Sr., the son of Lyle and Dori (Greb) Stearns, was born May 5, 1948 in Valley City, ND.  Rick grew up and attended school in Rogers, ND.  At the young age of 16, he began his work journey with his dad.  This led to an amazing Masonry Craft which can be seen in many beautiful brick and stone building across the United States.  He continued this craft for more than 40 years; he was an amazing Mason.  He had a very strong work ethic which was reflected by his work that many have enjoyed.  In 1976, he married the love of his life, Kathy.  To this union seven children were born:  Ricky, Terri, Rory, Robin, Ryan, Reid and Rand.  Rick passed his gift of Masonry work to all of his sons and daughters.  He was very proud of his children and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Rick was a very tough man, he worked hard, lived hard and loved even harder.  He was an incredibly talented man that will be missed by many.  His famous last words were:  “I’m the Man-OVER!”

Rick is survived by his wife Kathy; his children, Ricky (Kim),  Terri (Curt) Stevens, Robin (Jesse) Voelk, Ryan, Reid and Rand (Emily); 11 Grandchildren; 4 Great-Grandchildren; two brothers, Tom (Mavis) Stearns and Donny Stearns; one sister-in-law, Brenda Stearns; one brother-in-law Delyle (Bernie) Mortenson; many nieces and nephew and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his son Rory, a sister Vicky, a brother John and an infant sister Mary.