Obit: Sterr, Richard (1936 - 1955)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sterr, Will, Lee

----Source: Loyal Tribune (Loyal, Clark Co., Wis.)   07/14/1955

Sterr, Richard (13 JUL 1936 - 10 JUL 1955)

A tragic accident took the life of one of the most prominent youths of this community last Sunday morning at about 3 a.m.  The victim was Dick Sterr who was 18 years of age.

Apparently on the way out to check on operations at the Loyal Canning Co. viners north of town on Highway K, which are owned by his father Elmer Sterr, the motorcycle driven by Dick Struck the rear of a truck which was turning in the driveway at the viners.

The impact hurled Sterr to the highway causing injuries which resulted in almost instant death according to the local physician who was called to the scene.  Members of Sheriff’s office and the county coroner were also called to investigate.

Richard was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, July 13, 1936.  He received his early education in the grade school of Loyal, then attended Wayland Academy at Beaver Dam, returning to graduate from the Loyal High School in 1954.  The past year he attended St. Olaf’s College at Northfield, Minn.

Loyal has always been his hometown and he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church here.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer W. Sterr, two sisters, Mrs. Jerome (Ethel) Will and Mrs. W.L. (Janet) Lee, all of Loyal, and a paternal grandmother, Mrs. Albert Sterr Sr., Lomira.

Funeral services were held in Trinity Church Wednesday at 2 p.m., with Rev. J. J. Pfohl officiating.  Interment was in the Loyal Cemetery.

Pallbearers at the services were Leroy Merlak, Lynn Lawrenz, Donald Schwantes, Tom Wepfer, Dick Ohlrogge and Clarence Rogstad.  Honorary pallbearers were Billy Lee Trindal and Wayne Winter.

Vern Dahlby was the soloist singing "Heaven is My Home" and "Asleep In Jesus."  He was accompanied at the organ by Rochelle Lautenbach.  Flower girls included Veryl Herdrich, Darlene Haupt, June Braun and Bonnie Olson, Janet Christensen, Anita Rogstad, Ruth Ann Goehring and Nan Jean Hales.