John Stern

JOHN L. STERN ROCK FALLS- Mr. John L. Stern, 72, died Sunday, December 11, 2011 at his home. He was C.E.O. and Executive Director at Self Help Enterprises for 35 years. John L. Stern was born August 18, 1939 in Sterling, the son of Leslie and Marcella (Bohm) Stern. He married Barbara L. Houts in Sterling on July 9, 1961. He graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1957. He served in the U. S. Army. Mr. Stern was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sterling, Rotary Club of Rock Falls, the Sterling/Rock Falls Elks Lodge #1218, the Masonic Rock River Lodge No. 612 in Sterling, and the Merrit Commission of Whiteside County Sheriffs Department. He also served on the school board at Rock Falls High School and the Rock Falls Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. He loved his grandchildren, golf, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings Fan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; one son, Leslie (Amy) Stern of Apple Valley, MN; four grandchildren, Abigail, Coristan, Myah and Caitlyn Stern, siblings Melvin (Beverly) Stern of Decatur, Donna (Lyle) Dirks of Sterling, Barbara Battles of St. Petersburg, FL and Leslie (Beverly) Stern of Puyallup, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Johnathon on June 9, 2011; one sister, Madge Stern; and one brother, Reverend Robert Stern. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 1 PM at the First Baptist Church in Sterling with Reverend John Kermott and Reverend Al Houts officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Wednesday evening also at the First Baptist Church. A memorial has been established to the First Baptist Church in Sterling or Self Help Enterprises.