Rev. Robert F. “Bob” STERN, 75, of Wellsville, NY, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. 

Born November 17, 1950, in New Hampton, IA, he was the son of Roy E. and Mae S. Lehman Stern. Bob was raised in the Church of the Brethren. A 1968 graduate of Dixon High School in Dixon, IL, he earned a degree in Bible, Theology, Missions from Crown College in 1972. He also studied at the Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, receiving his M.P.S. in 1998. 

On May 29, 1982, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he married Susan J. Howe. Bob learned how to speak Spanish and loved to do so. From 1979 – 2010, he served as a missionary with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Argentina. While in Argentina, Bob served with churches in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut; Concordia, Entre Rios; Villa Jardin Provincia, Buenos Aires; Posadas, Misiones; Curuzu Cuatia, Corrientes; Corrientes, Corrientes; which was a highlight in their mission, starting a CMA church with Pastor Richardo Conti and his wife, Carmen. From 2013 – 2017, he served in Argentina again with One Collective and the Buenos Aires Professional Project (BAPP). 

In retirement, he volunteered at Mission Genesee Valley, Hope Center, and Celebrate Recovery in Wellsville and Andover. He was a member of Crosstown Alliance Church in Wellsville and the Lilac Twig Jones Memorial Auxiliary. He and Sue helped with the launch of the Crosstown Shinglehouse, PA campus. Bob was a man of prayer and an excellent Bible teacher. He also loved to run, participating in numerous marathons. 

Surviving besides his wife, Sue, are: two brothers, James (Anna) Stern of Cedar Rapids, IA and Roy Stern of Goshen, IN; a sister-in-law, Marsha (David) Lineman of Painted Post; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by ten siblings, Beulah Francione, Galen Stern, Margaret Hansel, Russel Stern, Donald Stern, Doris Tyler, Irven Stern, Lois Ilaoa, Alvin Stern, and Daniel Stern; and a brother-in-law, Robert J. Howe. 

Friends may call at Crosstown Alliance Church, 450 N. Highland Ave., Wellsville on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a Memorial Service following at 12:00 PM. Rev. Alex Banks will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service. 

Memorials may be made to Hope Center in Wellsville. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.