November 23, 1943 - September 19, 2015
Ralph F. "Rick" Stern Obituary
Passed peacefully on September 19, 2015 surrounded by his family. Rick was born in Spokane, WA on November 23, 1943. He attended Garfield Grade School and graduated from North Central High School in 1962. Rick worked as a clerk for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 40 plus years, fourteen of those years were spent in Seattle. He married his high school sweetheart Marian Gracio in October of 1962. From that union four children were born. Rick was a very loving husband, devoted father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren could always depend on him. He was a man of faith, wonderful friend, and never complained when many medical issues overtook his body. He would say, "It's just a little molehill and we'll get over it." The things Rick enjoyed the most were his Red Beers, traveling, gardening, sports and his "bend overs." There was never a penny that he did not stop to pick up and that lovingly became known as "Papas bend over money." Rick lived with a mechanical heart for a year and in 2006 he was a recipient of a heart transplant. He was given another nine years because of this generous gift from a selfless young man. The family would like to thank Doctors Timothy Icenogle and the late David Sandler. Other doctors important in Rick's life were John Musa, Kirk Lund, Michael Wukelic, Joseph Davis, and the mechanical heart team for their years of care given to Rick. Paula his transplant coordinator, RNs Nicole and Jillda held a very special place in Rick's heart. Rick is survived by his sisters Sharron Kick (Patty), Laura Hansen (Dan); brother Chuck Stern (Peggy); and his best friend and cousin Bob Stern; his wife Marian; children Gina Cronn (Jim), Jeff Stern (Carrie), Sandi Hanshew (Mike), Eric Stern (Stacy); and the loves of his life, his nine grandchildren; Colby, Joel, Jadeyn, Brody, Brawley, Rylee, Hannah, Kyla and Colton. A celebration of Rick's life will be held on Saturday, October 17th at the Eagles Lodge located at 6410 N. Lidgerwood St., Spokane, WA from 2-5pm. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Rick. The family has asked that donations can be made in Rick's name to Providence Heart Transplant Foundation Fund, W. 101 8th Ave., Suite 120, ATTN: Todd Sieger, Spokane, WA 99204.
You are finally pain free, Fly with the Angels Honey.
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