Audrey Stearns, age 71, of Wadena, Minnesota, passed away on May 30, 2026, peacefully at the family cabin on Lake Marion in Richville, Minnesota.

Audrey Jane Scherbart was born on May 31, 1954, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Valentine and Alma (Toft) Scherbart. She graduated from Balaton High School in 1972 and continued her education at Worthington Community College, earning her AA degree and her LPN Nursing Certificate.

On October 2, 1976, Audrey married William “Bill” Stearns in Marshall, Minnesota. After living in Marshall and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, they settled in Wadena in 1978, where they raised their family and built a life together for nearly fifty years. In 1994, after years of enjoying being a full time Mom, Audrey founded Mid State Insurance Services in Wadena, which she proudly owned and operated until her retirement in 2020.

Audrey enjoyed cross-country skiing and bicycling, but nothing brought her greater joy than her family. She especially cherished her role as a grandmother and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren.

Audrey loved the friendships she built throughout her years in Wadena. She enjoyed spending time with friends, attending community events, and supporting local benefits and fundraisers. She especially cherished her card club, birthday club and book club, whose members shared more than 30 years of friendship, laughter, support, and memories together. Those friendships were an important part of her life and brought her great joy.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Alma Scherbart.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Stearns of Wadena; her children, Monica (Ryan) Browne of Wadena, Andrew (Jennifer) Stearns of Littleton, Colorado, and Preston (Susanna) Stearns of Watford City, North Dakota; her grandchildren, Olivia, Clayton, Bennett, Analise, and Paxton; her brother, Keith (Diane) Scherbart; and many other relatives and dear friends.

To her family, Audrey was the one they could always count on. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend. Her practical wisdom, sense of humor, and unwavering support helped guide her family through life's joys and challenges. The love she shared, the friendships she nurtured, and the memories she created will remain with her family and friends always.