Richard "Dick" W. Stern passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024. Dick was born in Manitowoc, WI, on March 10, 1943, to the late William and Marie (Millard) Stern and grew up for most of his youth in New London, WI. Dick graduated from New London High School in 1961 and married his high school classmate Carol Prochnow in 1964. Dick and Carol lived for decades in Shawano, WI, where they raised their three daughters: Deb, Chris and Gina. The majority of Dick's career was spent working as local Regional Manager for the Wisconsin Gas Company. Dick and Carol moved to Appleton, WI, where he lived his last six years of life.

In his high school years, Dick was an avid athlete. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life & looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his brother Bill, family & friends. Dick & Carol enjoyed traveling to various places to see Colorado family, European River cruises, traveling to Arizona, and spending time "Up North" with family and lifelong friends. He was active in his church in Shawano. He was an usher and greeter for many years, helped with the Orphan Grain Train, & served on various boards when his girls were in grade school. Once they moved to Appleton he enjoyed attending various Bible classes. Dick was a man of strong faith. He loved his family and grandchildren, attending their sports events, teaching them to fish, playing games and making silly dad jokes. He could fix anything with duct tape. Dick always maintained a positive outlook on life.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol, daughters: Debra (Christopher) Munley, Christine (Michael) Wilharm and Gina (Christopher) McNerney; grandchildren: Sean & Carolyn Munley, Courtney (Josiah) Manteufel, Carley & Lauren Wilharm, William, Connor & Graceyn McNerney and 2 great grandchildren: Aylah & Ellie Manteufel. He is also survived by siblings: Mary Lou (Leslie) Prochnow, Joyce (Gary) Schroth, Jeanne (Steve) Fichter, Bill (LuAnn) Stern, Jane Stern and brothers-in-law: Leslie (Mary Lou) Prochnow, Gary Mytton and Jack Algiers and sister-in-law Marilyn Oertel. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Herbert & Mayme Prochnow, sister Elizabeth Mytton, in-laws Karen & Lee Never, Vivian & Donald Huth, Arline Algiers, Dorothy Linberg, Donald Prochnow, David Prochnow, and Chuck Oertel.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church (601 E. Glendale Ave) Appleton, with Rev Daniel Thews officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11:00. A lunch will be served following the service.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Frontida Memory Care as well as the staff at Compassus Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Dick's memory by sending donations to the Alzheimer's Association or to Faith Lutheran Church of Appleton, WI.