Gerald Sterken

Gerald Sterken, 80, of Grand Rapids, passed away on September 15, 2011 after suffering a stroke. Jerry was born on 11/10/1930 in Grand Rapids; the son of Warren and Clarice (Sietsema) Sterken. He married Mary L. Rockwell, and they were married over 25 years. After they were parted by death in 1983, he married Donna Kolehouse. They were together for 15 years until her passing. He had a long, dear friendship with Margaret (Pat) Keoglmaier until she passed away last year. Jerry was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and worked with the youth group there. He was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, Wandering Wigwams Chapter, where he and his family traveled throughout the country and made many dear lifelong friends who became a second family. He also made many close friends at his winter home in Eustis, Florida. He was a member of the Teamsters Union, working as a truck driver for Gelock Inc. He focused his life on taking good care of the people he loved and cared about. He went to work every day, worked hard, and came home tired but not complaining. After retiring, he prided himself on walking over 8 miles a day, and he wore out many pairs of walking shoes. He enjoyed watching the Tigers games in recent years. He will be missed by those of us who were blessed to have him in our lives. Jerry is preceded in death by his wives, Mary and Donna; his friend, Pat; his step-son, Daniel Kolehouse; his parents; and his brother, Howard Sterken. He is survived by his sons, James (Joan) and Thomas (Kandi) Sterken; step-children, Donald (Debie), David (Lynda), Douglas (Teri), and Denise (Griffin) Kolehouse, Kendra Kolehouse; his sister, Sally Rhodes; and several nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 12 noon, September 19, 2011 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1025 3 Mile Rd. NE. Jerry's family will greet relatives and friends Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Memories and condolences to Jerry's family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gerald Sterken please visit our Sympathy Store.