John Thomas Sterk, Sr., 74, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his wife and sons on June 16, 2024. Born September 14, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to John C. and Lauraine (Slager) Sterk, John was the oldest of six children.

John served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1969 – 1971 and was stationed in Vietnam and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. While on a brief furlough, John was united in marriage with Elizabeth "Betty" Marshall on November 7, 1970. John and Betty raised their sons in Wheaton, Illinois, while he worked and retired as a Shift Supervisor in 2007 from the Comed Will County Generating Station in Romeoville. Betty preceded him in death in March 2011. John loved traveling, and regaled his family with stories of visiting Alaska and seeing the Iditarod, going to Hawaii where he and Betty were married, and many more.

John fell in love and married Mary Donahue (Fifield) on August 10, 2012. A fellow widow, they eventually moved to Rockford and enjoyed twelve years of happy times together. During this season, John had waited for many years and when it finally arrived, he embraced his role of "Grandpa" or "Pop", and it was the greatest blessing and joy for him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his sons, J.T. (Rachel) Sterk of Janesville, WI, and Seth (Maryellen) Sterk of Naperville, IL. His siblings: Tim (Diana) Sterk of Munster, IN; Lu (Jim) Van Ryn of Midlothian, IL; Betsy (Ed) Thomson of Oak Forest, IL; Dave (Penny) Sterk of Akron, IN; and Becky Curiel of Akron, IN. Grandchildren: Ti, Gus, and Caleb Sterk of Janesville, WI and Owen Sterk of Naperville, IL. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-children, and step-grandchildren.

Visitation and Service will be held on Saturday, June 29 at Warrenville Bible Chapel, 4 S. 157 Curtis Avenue in Warrenville, IL. Visitation will begin at 11am, with the Service beginning at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL then a luncheon will be available at Warrenville Bible Chapel.

Information and guest book is available at www.hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton at 630-668-0027.