John Sturm

John Charles Sturm Sr. was born October 8, 1931 to Harold E. Sturm and Mary M. (Kelly) Sturm in Macomb, IL. John graduated from Macomb Senior High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart Rose M. Gray in July of 1950. From this union two daughters and a son were born. John was happy to rejoin Rose in heaven on August 21, 2018 surrounded by all their children.
From ages 16-27 John worked for Sam Barsi & Sons Inc. as a warehouse man, foreman, and eventually truck driver. Johns' love of truck driving lead him to opportunities with Burlington Truck lines, Nuendorf Transportation, Keeshon Transport Systems, Murphy Motor Freight, and retirement at age 59 from Consolidated Freightways with a full Teamster Union pension. John was proud of his affiliation with the Teamsters and was a member of local unions 15, 325, 364 where he served many years as shop steward, and retired from local 414.
After retirement John and Rose followed their dream of traveling together and owning their own business by opening J&R Concessions. Traveling together they sold pork tenderloin sandwiches, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, and their specialty onion rings from their own well-traveled mobile kitchen. This business took John and Rose to fairs and carnivals throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and eventually lead them to actually retire in Lake Placid Florida where they stayed for about ten years. While in Florida, together they took up the hobby of competitive weight lifting earning many trophies and awards in their age group. In 2004 John and Rose moved to Winona to be near family and lived at Valley View Towers where they made many special and caring friends. Sadly, after 67 wonderful years of marriage, Rose passed away in December of 2016 with John at her side.
John is survived by children, Mary K (Michael) Kirschmann of Winona, JoAnn (Gary) Porter of Pensacola Fl, and John (Barbara) Sturm Jr. of Gloucester, VA; grandchildren include, Dr. John, Joseph, and Heather (Mary), Matthew and Lisa (JoAnn), Erin and Rose (John Jr.); and many great-grandchildren.

My name is John Charles Pingo and most everything you've read so far was written by my grandpa, John Charles Sturm. He wanted to write his own obituary, but his health deteriorated so rapidly that he was unable to finish it. I asked my mom if I could write a closing paragraph (or three) as one of his seven grandchildren and she thought grandpa would have liked that.

Grandpa was a font of family history and fun stories. He loved to share stories about the softball team he and grandma coached in Rockford IL. when my mother, Mary K, my aunt JoAnn and my uncle John were young. They were very proud of their players and from social media posts I've seen it is obvious that they touched the lives of those kids in a very positive way that still resonates with them even after all these years.
Being the oldest grandchild, I was lucky enough to spend summers with Grandpa and Grandma in Edwardsburg, MI. These summers resulted in some of the best memories of my life. Grandpa taught me and my brother Joseph how to row a boat, fish, water ski, cook a steak and even how to make homemade ice cream. When I struggled with math, he worked with me until I caught up with the other kids. More importantly, he taught me the importance of a good work ethic and that you can accomplish your dreams if you're willing to work hard for them.
Grandpa John was a hard worker, a natural teacher and always a source of hard won wisdom complimented by his wonderful storytelling. Grandpa John was the best man I've ever known. When my time on earth is done, I hope that I will have been half the man he was. We will all miss you dearly Grandpa.

Following John's wishes, there will be private family services.