Keith's Funeral Service

Keith D. Stern (aka Uncle Chub) age 90, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 11, 2025.  He was born on February 12, 1935 to Gerhart and Dora (Marks) Stern.  He graduated from Washington High School in New London in 1952. Keith proudly served his country as an electrician on the USS Norfolk and was honorably discharged as an EM2 in 1956.  He married Lorraine Kratzke on April 19, 1958.  Together they had 67 wonderful years together.

Keith loved God, his country, family and the outdoors.  He instilled those values in his children.  Keith taught his children to work hard and appreciate the beauty of the world God gave us.  He loved hunting and both US and local history.  Keith loved a good history book.

Keith is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Kenneth (Shelly) Stern, Peggy (Thomas) Theama, Sue (Chuck) Borrelli and Kelly Hancock; grandchildren, Jessica Hoier (William Mattern), Rose Marie Lapp (Adam Schamber), Brooke Theama (Spencer Bowman), Jesse Theama, Sheena Martens, Jessica (Max) Adams, Kyle (Angelina) Borrelli, Kayleigh (Erik) Osmundsen, Dakota Hancock and Marshall Hancock; sisters-in-law, Frances Stern, Cheryl (Kenneth) Krause and Faye Marks and brother-in-law, Harold Daberkow as well as other loved relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by step-mothers, Evie and Norma; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence Kratzke and Dora Popke; step-father, Cleland Popke; brother, Gerald Stern; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glenna (Don) Sipe, Jean (James) Yost, Marian (Bob) Kamba, Glen Marks,; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Daberkow and Karen Kratzke; granddaughter, Jennifer Hoier; nephews, Daniel Sipe and Larry Kamba and niece, Paula Yost.

The Funeral Service for Keith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in St. Martin Cemetery, Town of Larabee.  Full military honors will be held at the church following the funeral service.