Joseph Robert Stern, age 78, of Prescott passed away after a long battle with cancer on November 16, 2021 at Estates of Greeley in Stillwater, MN. Joseph was born on April 26, 1943 to Robert and Marie (King) Stern in Prescott, WI. He attended Prescott High School when he enlisted into the United States Army. Joseph married the love of his life Rita Dodge on January 28, 1967 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prescott. Their union blessed them with four children, Natalie, Wade, Brent, and Heather.

Joseph was a hardworking man. He owned and operated Stern Construction in the Prescott/ River Falls area for many years. He was a strong and courageous man who loved his family above all else. Joseph enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Minnesota Vikings.

Joseph is remembered by his loving wife of 54 years, Rita; his children, Natalie (Dan) Hetchler, Wade (Amy) Stern, Brent (Robin) Stern, and Heather (Tom) Lee, brother, Kenny (Barb) Stern, sister, Kate (Jerry) Killian; brother-in-law, Pete Woods, and thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marie Stern; in-laws, Jack and Jeanne Dodge and sister, Patricia Woods.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be at 4:00pm to 6:00pm Friday, November 19, 2021 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home 1339 Orrin Road Prescott, WI 54021. A short memorial service will be held at 6pm.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Prescott, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com, 715-262-5404