Obituary of Brother Joel Stern

Brother Joel A Brother of the Poor of St. Francis for 43 years, died on July 19 at Anderson Mercy Hospital at the age of 68. An elementary teacher, principal and pastoral associate, Brother Joel served in the Cincinnati area mostly at St. John Vianney Parish. A native of Portsmouth, Ohio, he is survived by his sister Janet of Fargo, ND, his brothers James of Indianapolis and Robert of Portsmouth, Oh, and nieces Christi (Jeff) Wittaker and Toni Stern and his Franciscan Brothers. He also served in the U.S Navy prior to entering religious life. He was preceded in death by his parents August and Ruth Burling Stern of Portsmouth, Oh. Visitation will be Friday July 22 from 9:30am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Stephen Catholic Church 3804 Eastern Ave. (45226). Burial will follow the liturgy at the New St. Joseph Cemetery, Cincinnati. At his request, memorials can be sent to the Franciscan Brothers, P.O. Box 30359, Cincinnati, Oh 45230 in lieu of flowers. thomasjustinmemorial.com.