GARY JOHN STERBENZ's Obituary
GARY JOHN STERBENZ, 65, of L'Anse passed away Monday, January 16, 2006 at his residence following a short illness. He was born in L'Anse, MI. on December 20, 1940 son of the late John and Florence (Brown) Sterbenz. Gary attended school in L'Anse. He married the former Sandra Jestila on February 6, 1965 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in L'Anse. Gary was employed as a forklift driver for Celotex in L'Anse, until his retirement. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a former Eagles Club #2287 member. Gary enjoyed being outdoors making firewood, hunting, fishing, camping, and was skilled at witching for water. He also had coached Little League. Gary’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Sterbenz is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, children, Gary D. Sterbenz of L'Anse, Robin (Bill) Mannikko of Avilla, IN., and Suzie (Pat) Little of Pt. St. Lucia, FL., grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Brandon, Kyle, and Sara, brothers, Daniel (Lauri) of L'Anse, John (Carol) of Aura and Bill (Brenda) of Baraga, sisters, Sandra (Jim) Witz of Skanee, Nancy (Dick) Usimaki of L'Anse, Mary Treadeau of Baraga, and Betty Neilson of Baraga. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Robert and his brother, Bob in 1991.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L'Anse with Father George Maki, celebrant. Spring interment will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family received friends on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse and for 1 hour prior to the Mass at church on Thursday. Baraga County Area Veterans, under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral chapel followed by a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse has been entrusted with arrangements.
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