Donna M Sterler

NOTICE: Sibley, IA 

Donna M. Sterler, age 91 of Sibley passed away on Tuesday morning, September 24, 2024 at the Country View Manor in Sibley, IA.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.  

There will be a prayer service at 9:30 AM Saturday morning at the First Reformed Church in Sibley with burial to follow.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the First Reformed Church in Sibley with the Rev. Brian Carpenter officiating.

 Donna Mae Sterler was born September 17, 1933, in Sibley, Iowa, the daughter of Arend and Jennie (Olthof) Albers. At the age of 1 ½ years, her mother passed away and she went to live with Martin and Mattie (Onken) Albers. She graduated from Sibley High School in 1952. On March 10, 1952 she was united in marriage to Merrill Sterler at the Trinity Reformed Church in Sibley, Iowa. Shortly after marriage Merrill went overseas to serve in the Korean War and Donna began work at Ellerbroek Insurance. In January of 1954, upon Merrill’s return from Korea, they moved back to the farm where Donna grew up, raised their 3 children there, and enjoyed nearly 53 years together. In 1973, they humbly accepted the distinction of owning and living on the highest point in Iowa, “Hawkeye Point”, and during these years they unconditionally welcomed visitors from across America and several foreign countries to their farm and home.

Her husband Merrill passed away in December 2004. In June 2007 Donna moved from the farm to Sibley, and in March 2022 she became a resident of Country View Manor after a debilitating stroke. 

Donna enjoyed quilting, traveling and was an avid reader. Following Merrill’s passing, she enjoyed weekly gatherings with friends playing cards and dominoes, and especially her time with family and grandchildren. After moving to town, there were many afternoon outings to Hawkeye Point to sit, read, greet those visiting the high point, and enjoy the peace and beauty of the farm she dearly loved.

Donna was surrounded by family in her final days and on the morning of Tuesday September 24, 2024 she went to join her Lord and Merrill. She is survived by her 3 children: Lori (Mark) Vande Brake of Orange City, IA, Mark (Esther) Sterler of Ocheyedan, IA and Kathy (Reed) Eimers of Le Mars, IA; 6 grandchildren: Matt (Jessica) Balt, Jason (Niki) Balt, Tony (Kolbie) Vande Brake, Mariah Vande Brake, Maggie (Corey) Hoffman and Sam (Megan) Van Wettering; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Arend and Jennie Albers and Martin and Mattie Albers, husband Merrill Sterler, brother Marvin Albers and wife Jane, brother-in-law George Sterler and wife Norma, sister-in-law Dorothy Brink and husband Ray, and son-in-law Mark Vande Brake.

In Lieu of Flowers Monetary Donations will be given to Donna’s favorite charities.