Joseph Sterk

Joseph Eugene Sterk of Coffeyville passed away on his birthday Sunday, July 11, 2010 at CRMC. He was 96 years young. Joe was born in 1914 at Monett, Missouri to Joseph A. and Gertrude Smith Sterk. He completed his high school education and attended a year at junior college at Parsons, Kansas. On February 22, 1940 he was united in marriage to Charlotte McCollum in Nowata, Oklahoma. The couple later divorced. In 1961 he married Billie Francis Bean, the couple later divorced. Joe worked at Parsons Fixture Co., Superior Foundry in Nowata, OK, Funk Manufacturing during the war and later retired from Sturm Fixture Co. in Coffeyville. He was a Master Cabinet Maker. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, the Carpenters Union and the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stamp collecting and all sports and was a passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame Football. Surviving to honor his memory are his children, James R. and wife, Sandi, Sharon M. Sterk all of Tulsa, OK, Joseph A. Tony and wife, Linda of Bartlesville, OK, Christopher E. and Charles D. both of Coffeyville, KS brothers, Charles William of Summerfield, N.C., James A. of Coffeyville, KS grandchildren, David of Tulsa, OK, Alex and Andrew of Bartlesville, OK and a greatgrandson, Jake of Tulsa, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church. Father Ben Nguyen will officiate. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may call on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Funeral Home to sign the guest register. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Meals On Wheels or Holy Name Catholic Church, these may be left with the funeral home.