Kenneth Larry Sterzer

Hard working, talented and trustworthy are just a few of many words to describe the special man that made up Ken Sterzer. Although stubborn and a little opinionated at times, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to those who were blessed to have known him. Far and wide, his talents encompassed an array of interests and activities that made life exciting for Ken and those around him. His sharp intellect and memory served him well in his profession, but most importantly, Ken will be remembered for the loving and caring individual who loved his family. He will be deeply missed. The year 1943 saw its share of mixed blessings as young soldiers were sent into the throes of war. With publications like The Saturday Evening Post and box office hits like Casablanca, a sense of optimism gave Americans a taste of normalcy as Glenn Miller and his Orchestra provided popular music of the times. Citizens throughout the nation came together during these tumultuous times of World War II as women entered the work force in droves and rationing took place across the U.S. For Andrew and Ruth (Nyquist) Sterzer of Grand Haven, Michigan, there was cause for celebration when they welcomed the birth of Kenneth Larry into their arms on August 22, 1943. The third of four children, Ken grew up with his siblings, Dorothy, Morrie, and Terry. Kens father worked as a tool and die maker while his mother stayed home with the children as a homemaker. Ken attended St. Johns Lutheran School and Church where Ken received his confirmation and sang in the choir. A typical boy well into his teens, Ken and his longtime buddy Harry found their share of adventure and mischief growing up. Their antics found them in trouble a time or two, but their solid friendship grew over the years. In fact, Harry would one day stand up for Ken in his wedding. Ken received his first model airplane when he was six which was the beginning of a life long hobby of building and flying radio controlled airplanes. He also enjoyed playing baseball and was even in the local newspaper for the most home runs. Ken attended Grand Haven Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1961. Following high school Ken enlisted into the U.S. Marines Corps out of Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California in 1962. Ken transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina so he could be closer to home. Often on leave, he would borrow his brother Morries Thunderbird and travel home to Grand Haven. While in the Marines Ken was trained in radio and electronic repair. After getting out of the Marines in 1966 he bought a 67 Corvette, which was one of his all time favorite cars. He also spent a lot of time fishing with Morrie and friend Dan. Ken even caught one of the biggest Walleye while fishing at the Newago Dam, that landed him on a segment of Michigan Outdoors. Eventually he became a licensed electrician. While doing some electrical repair work at Meijer Thrifty Acres following a severe storm, Ken met a pretty young girl working at the ice cream counter named Debbie Reynolds. Ken knew he had found the love of his life. Before asking her out, Ken had the forethought to break it off with another girl he was dating. After dating for two years and developing a deep and committed love for one another, Ken proposed to Debbie, giving her a beautiful ring on her birthday. Following a year long engagement, they were united in marriage on May 27, 1972 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Muskegon. They honeymooned for a month out west, making a return trip for their 25th anniversary where Debbies parents joined them for their 50th anniversary. It was a wonderful trip that was talked about for years to come. Ken and Debbie also spent many weekends visiting Kens parents in Bear Lake where he fished and went metal detecting with his dad. For the first several years of their life together they lived in Grand Haven where in 1976 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Tonya. Eventually moving to Muskegon, they lived with Debbies parents six months while Ken built a new home there. It wasnt long before they welcomed another daughter into their loving arms when Jennifer was born in 1980. Kens world revolved around his girls. He was a devoted husband and dedicated father as he worked hard to provide a good life for them. As a family, they took many enjoyable vacations. Wonderful memories were made at Cedar Point where they went every year. They also had a cabin up north on the Little Manistee River where they frequently visited. With their love for the outdoors, their new camper allowed them to take a month long trip out west in 1990. Ken loved being together, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Ken and Debbie even enjoyed the best of times sharing trips to Nashville, Florida and the most memorable to Alaska with their best friends, Denny and Deb Cook. An avid rifle enthusiast, Ken was a member of the National Rifle Association and had the opportunity to meet the President of the NRA at the time, Charlton Heston at a convention he attended. Ken also enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dog, Freckles, an English Springer Spaniel. After Freckles passing, his daughters bought him Katy, a French Brittany Spaniel. She didnt turn out to be much of a hunter, but Ken still loved her anyways. For 13 years Ken worked as an electrician with Local #275 Electrical Workers. He then began working as a Master Electrician for Sappi Fine Paper, formerly the S.D. Warren Corporation, where he would later retire in 2006 after 21 years of service with the company. The happiest place for Ken was in the company of his family. He adored each of his grandchildren and the very thought of them put a sparkle in his eye. His retirement years allowed more time to enjoy the many things he loved in life, but spending time with his family was his delight and joy. With his electrical know-how and experience, Ken was known to fix just about everything. Not only was he a trained expert in his field, but he was quite knowledgeable in other areas as well. Ken, who taught himself to play the steel guitar over the years, loved playing along with country music. Another of Kens hobbies was investing and he even handled his own trading. He enjoyed collecting the things that he loved. He had many collections that included: Kiddie Car Classics, oil lamps, radio controlled airplanes, cars and engines. Throughout his nine month battle with cancer he never gave up hope. While surrounded by his loving family, Ken sadly passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the age of 66. There are not enough words to describe the wonderful impact that Ken had on those he knew and loved. He will be fondly remembered and lovingly missed by those he leaves behind. SURVIVORS: His wife of 38 years, Debbie; daughters, Tonya (Robert) Shackelford of Twin Lake and Jennifer (Joel) Britton of Muskegon; grandchildren, River, Trenton and Jett Shackelford, Mallory, Adalyn and Lily Britton; sister, Dorothy (Al) Verberkmoes of Spring Lake; brothers, Morrie Sterzer of Grand Haven and Terry (Cindi) Sterzer of Brethren; and his faithful companion Katy. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICE: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Chaplain Jon Rager officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, 5-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign Kens online guest book.