A Celebration of Life service for Sven L. Sterner of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas and formerly of Boone, Iowa will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, September 20, 2024 in the fellowship hall at Central Christian Church, 803 Greene St., Boone, Iowa. Following the service, light refreshments will be served and time to visit with Sven’s family.
Sven, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle and friend passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 in Tyler, Texas. Sven lived a full life up until the end.
Sven Lee Sterner was born April 28, 1941 to Helen V. (nee Martin) and Morgan I. Sterner in Boone, Iowa.
Sven received his education from the Boone Community School and graduated with the Class of 1959. He was a graduate of Boone Junior College, University of Iowa and received his master’s degree from Drake University.
Sven joined the U.S. Airforce and served in Okinawa. He was then appointed by former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray to head the office of State Highway Safety. While Sven was working in this position he joined the Iowa Army National Guard. Later he transferred to the Army Reserves. When Sven & Jeanette moved to Texas, Sven became the Deputy Regional Administrator for Region 6 of the National Highway Traffic Safety. Sven retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving a total of 34 years in the military.
Sven met Jeanette Bicek while attending a military school in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sven and Jeanette were married on September 25, 1982 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Sven was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Sven and Jeanette enjoyed playing golf, fishing, boating, traveling and taking RV trips to California and Iowa. Sven enjoyed tinkering in the garage. “If Sven can’t fix it……..Nobody can!” and always asked if there was anything he could do to help Jeanette around the house.
Sven is survived by his wife Jeanette; his daughter Catherine Carlisle (Don) of California; his son Michael Sterner of California; four grandchildren: Ada Carlisle, Galen Carlisle, Elle Sterner and Audrey Sterner and Sven’s beloved dogs JB and Panda. Sven is also survived by his siblings: Rich (Deb) Bennett, Jeanne Bennett, Karolyn Bennett, Janet (Ted) Welch, Marsha (David) Bergstrom, Margaret (Kenny) Bayliss, Donna Accetola, Rosalie (Norman) Taylor, Don (Carol) Brandon, sister-in-law Carol Sterner, many nieces, nephews and loved ones.
Preceding Sven in death are his parents, Helen V. (John) Bennett, Morgan I. (Lucille) Sterner and his siblings Rose Ann Smith, Gerald “Jerry” Sterner, Morgan W. (Eunice) Sterner, John W. Bennett, Jr. and H. Joan “Joanie” (Marvin) Coleman.
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