Marvin "Bud" Stern, 81 of rural Conde, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at Bethesda Home in Webster surrounded by his wife, daughters and sons-in-law.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Crocker Lutheran Church in Crocker. Military interment will be at the Bristol Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation celebrating Bud's life will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Fiksdal Funeral Home in Webster. A time of sharing will begin at 6:00 P.M. followed by a prayer service at the funeral home.
Bud was born to Ralph and Pearl Stern in Clark, S.D. He was baptized as an infant in Crocker on April 25, 1945. He was raised with strong values, a deep respect for hard work and a love for the land that shaped his life. He was later confirmed at the Crocker Lutheran Church on May 15, 1960.
A lifelong career farmer, Bud dedicated himself to raising cattle and sheep. He worked long hours and gave his heart to the land he farmed. Agriculture was more than a livelihood—it was who he was. His steady determination, resilience and tireless work ethic were evident in everything he did.
But was also a true jack-of-all-trades. Whether it was mechanic work, carpentry, fixing equipment or building something with his hands, there wasn't much he couldn't do. If something was broke, Bud would find a way to fix it.
Outside of farming, he loved fishing and hunting; time spent outdoors brought him peace and joy. He also had a playful side and was well known for "torturing" his kids and sons-in-law by making them pick rock, turning hard work into lasting family memories. Those long days in the field became stories that will be told for generations.
On February 8, 1967, Bud married the love of his life, Marilyn Willis. His love for Marilyn never wavered through the trials and pains of life. Together, they built a family rooted in strength, loyalty and devotion. Some of the most treasured memories are of Bud dancing with Marilyn and his daughters at weddings and at the Crocker dances—moments filled with laughter, music and pure joy.
Later in life, August 17, 2008, Bud made the meaningful decision to be baptized as an adult at the Gulch, surrounded by family and friends. It was a powerful testament to his faith and humility.
Bud is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Stern; his children, Becky and George Erdahl and Vicki and Thad Duerre; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and blessing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pearl Stern; his son, Jim Stern; his granddaughter, Danielle; his brother, Ordean Stern; and his sister, Marcella Gross.
As Bud entered Heaven, he heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Seeing his Lord and personal Savior, Jesus Christ, he walked into the arms of his only son, Jim; his loving parents; his brother Ordean; his sister, Marcella; and many other family members and dear friends who had gone before him.
Bud will be remembered for his strong hands, steady heart, playful spirit, enduring faith and unwavering love for his wife and family. His legacy lives on in the land he worked, the lessons he taught, the laughter he created and the family he loved so deeply.
