Norman Stearns

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Norman Everett “Bud” Stearns was born May 29, 1928, in Newcastle, Wyo., to William A. and Dora (Murray) Stearns. He attended schools at Elk Mountain, S.D., and graduated from Newcastle High School in 1946. He worked on the family ranch until he met Evelyn Gorsuch while she was teaching at the Lauzon School. They were married Nov. 15, 1952, in Fairburn, S.D. They shared life for 50 years at the ranch at Elk Mountain. During that time he worked as a contract hayer, did Cat work and contract dirt work, worked as a welder at the Newcastle Refinery and as a highway construction mechanic. Known as “Bud” or “Uncle Bud” to everyone, he was uncle to about 35 nieces and nephews and a caring neighbor to many over the years.  He loved animals, gardening, fishing and in his younger days roping calves on his horse, Lucy, at local rodeos. He was on the school board, fair board and Elk Mt. Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Bud died Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Rapid City (S.D.) Regional Hospital after a short illness. He was 80. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn; and his brother, William W. “Billy” Stearns. He is survived by three sons, Dan (JoAnn) Stearns of Elk Mountain, Scott (Deb) Stearns of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Martin (Martha) Stearns of Layton Utah; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three foster children, Bill, Vern and Linda Koenig. Memorial services were June 5 at Worden Chapel in Newcastle with the Rev. Mick Bohn officiating.