Bert Sterk, 79, of Akron, Indiana, died at home with his family at his side after a brief illness on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Bert was born in Chicago, Illinois the 13th of 15 children of Cornelius and Winnie (Kelderhouse) Sterk. He was raised near Akron. After high school, he worked his way through Manchester College majoring in accounting. While attending college, he began dating Theressa Wildermuth. They married August 25, 1968. Together, Bert and Theressa shared 57 years making wonderful memories. They especially enjoyed travels that enabled them to see many of God's beautiful creations.
Bert retired from RR Donnelley printing company where he worked as a job cost accountant for 26 years. After retiring, Bert spent time gardening, visiting shut-ins and volunteering at the local food pantry.
Husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin-these loving terms are among Bert's favorite titles. He dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. His family treasures times spent with him.
Bert's legacy includes his wife Theressa (Wildermuth), daughters Sara (Matthew) Turner of Fishers and Jennifer (Buddy) Freeze of Bristol, and son Scott (Stephanie) Sterk of Silver Lake. Also included are 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was also survived by sisters Cornelia Moore of Akron and Wilma Belsan of Brookfield, Illinois and brothers Robert (Sharon) Sterk of Sevierville, Tennessee and Lee (Leta) Sterk of Rochester, Indiana and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers John, Herman, Charles, and Richard and sisters Nellie Mosher, Carrie Koster, Margaret Tromp, Dorothy Sterk, Nancy Sterk, and Bernice Brown.
A memorial service, to celebrate Bert’s life, will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the Akron Church of God 301 S West St, Akron, Indiana with Pastors Mandy Nellans and Kathy Nelson officiating. A time of fellowship will continue after the service.
Memorial visitation will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the Akron Church of God, Akron, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to United We Stand Ministries-Food Pantry, P.O. Box 173, Akron, IN 46910.
