Mark Albert Sterwerf, 84, of Connersville passed away early Tuesday morning, December 1, 2020, at Reid Health, Richmond.
One of seven children of William and Mary Zwissler Sterwerf, Mark was born in Mount Healthy, Ohio, on January 25, 1936, and was raised in Franklin County. He graduated from Brookville High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam era.
On November 7, 1959, Mark married the former Helen Elizabeth Amrhein. Mark and Helen lived in Munich, Germany where Mark was stationed for three and one-half years, returning to the U.S. in 1963. Upon his release from active duty, and the transfer to the Army Reserve, they moved to Connersville in April 1966. Mrs. Sterwerf passed away on October 4, 1984.
On March 28, 1991, Mark married the former Mary B. Mackey in Everton. Mrs. Sterwerf survives.
Mark was employed at Design and Manufacturing in Connersville for many years, retiring upon its closing.
A devoted member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mark and Mary faithfully attended Mass every week until they were unable to go due to the pandemic. Mark was a member of the VFW Post 571, American Legion Post 1, and on April 1, 2017, he was gratified to be able to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. In his leisure time, Mark enjoyed travelling, woodworking, golfing, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his family.
Besides his wife of 29 years, Mary Sterwerf, survivors include three children, Albert Mark Sterwerf of Monterey, California, Anne (Kevin) Trent of Connersville, and Pamela Sue (Garrie) Rader of Connersville; two step-children, Ruth (David) Nutty of Connersville, and Kathy Kindsfather of Colorado; six grandchildren, Arabella Sterwerf, Benjamen Sterwerf, Angelica Sterwerf, Natasha (Matt) Lutterbie, Mitchell Richardson, and Ashley Rader (fiancé, Kyle Habig); seven step-grandchildren, Stacey (Eric) Paille, Angie Casey, Ava (Ryan) Schumacher, Jeff Carey, Randall Carey, Heather Howard, and Kevin Trent; three great-grandchildren, Cole Dixon, Chandler, Pendergraft, and Taylor Richardson; several step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Helen Sterwerf; seven siblings, Lester, Ralph, Elmer, Luke, and Anthony Sterwerf, and Mary Mergenthall Stenger; and a son-in-law, Rick Richardson.
Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to follow until the time of military honors provided by Fayette County Veterans Council at 1:00 p.m. at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Private burial will be conducted at a later date in St. Michael Cemetery, Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Church Building Fund, and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.