Alvin Stearns

Alvin Arthur Stearns, Jr., 86, passed away of natural causes Jan. 13, 2006, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

Alvin was born June 5, 1919, in Chloride, Ariz., the son of Alvin A. and Amelda Stearns. Alvin graduated from high school in Minnesota in 1936 and served in the Pacific during World War II with the Army. He married Mary Louise Brunstein at Casa Grande, Arizona in 1947.

Alvin learned stone masonry from his father. He worked for General Telephone as an inspector. After retiring from General Telephone, he went back to stone masonry. He obtained a contractor's license and formed Al Stearns & Sons Construction Co. He retired several years ago.

He was a Christian youth minister and was involved in a prison ministry in Bishop, Calif., for many years. He enjoyed golf and was often encouraged to become a professional golfer, but he met Mary, and his marriage and love changed his directions, and they spent many happy years together.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golf, pool and almost any family weekend activity when his six children were small. He also enjoyed horseshoes and bowling, but his service to the Lord was his most important activity.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Louise Stearns; his son Scott Stearns; and a brother, William Stearns.

He is survived by daughters Linda Bulpitt and husband Murray, of Arlington, Texas, Laura Smith and husband Greg, of Bishop, Calif., and Diane Klink and husband Bill, of Whitefish; sons Michael Stearns, of Whitefish, and Al Stearns III and wife Carol, of Whitefish; sisters Mary Ellen Large, of Port Heuneme, Calif., Ann Barner, of Banning, Calif., and Fanchon Van Voorhis, of Atlanta, Ga.; 26 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held Jan. 18, 2006, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with Rev. Eddie Nye, officiating.