October 27, 2026 – West Bend, WI – Warren R. Stern, 87, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away on October 20, 2026.
Born September 10, 1939, to Rudolph and Margaret Stern, Warren was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor, a curious mind, and a lifetime of stories to tell. While never one to seek the spotlight, he could talk for hours about two of his favorite subjects: fly fishing and the stock market.
Warren served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. He married Barbara M. Fuge on May 12, 1962, and together they raised three children.
Warren graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1962. A pharmacist by profession, he spent his career working at pharmacies throughout the West Bend area, including owning and operating West Bend Pharmacy in downtown West Bend. He later retired after 25 years with Walgreens.
Warren had a passion for sports that stayed with him throughout his life. He taught his children to ski, coached the West Bend High School ski team, and continued downhill skiing until he was 84. He was also a familiar sight on the ice at Regner Park and the Kettle Moraine Ice Center well into his 70s. When he wasn’t participating in sports, he enjoyed watching baseball, football, hockey, and cheering on his Wisconsin Badgers.
But Warren’s true happy place was a trout stream, fly rod in hand. He spent countless hours fishing Wisconsin’s Onion River, tying his own flies, and sharing his knowledge and stories of fishing. He was involved with Trout Unlimited, helping clean and preserve local streams, and especially enjoyed fishing trips to the Florida Keys with local guides.
Warren enjoyed life in his own way, finding happiness in the outdoors, his many interests, and the friendships and experiences he collected over the years. Those who knew him will remember his quiet wit, his familiar one-liners, and the stories that seemed to have no end.
Warren is survived by his children, Scott W. Stern (Christine), Timothy J. Stern (Lori), and Sarah L. Stern (Steve Kisting); his granddaughter, Madeline A. Stern; and his brother, William Stern.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara M. Stern (née Fuge); his parents, Rudolph and Margaret Stern; and his brother, Bernard Stern.
A private burial will be held, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Exodus House in Kewaskum, Wisconsin.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort or share a memory of Warren please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
