Ivy, Virginia
STURMER.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 in honor of Dr. F. C. Sturmer Jr., who passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Frederick Charles Sturmer Jr. was born July 21, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. One of four children, he was the only son of Frederick C. Sturmer Sr., a civil engineer, and LaVerne Boyd Sturmer. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Dr. Sturmer graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1958, and settled in South Hill, Va., where he served as general surgeon at the Community Memorial Hospital. A past president of the Virginia Medical Association and a member of numerous other professional societies, Dr. Sturmer served as the Chief of Staff, Director of Continuing Medical Education, Director of the Extended Care Facility, and the Chairman of the Credentials Committee at Community Memorial Hospital. In addition to his professional services, he acted as a deacon in the First Baptist Church and spent a month volunteering at the Baptist Hospital in Israel's Gaza Strip in 1978. In 1980, Dr. Sturmer established Southside Surgical Associates with his professional partner and close friend, Dr. Albert Daw. Outside of work, Dr. Sturmer sat on the boards of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce, the South Hill Friends of the Library, the Woodfield Club, PaceAmerican Bank, and South Hill Academy. In his free time and following his retirement in 1997, Dr. Sturmer enjoyed hunting, skiing, riding horses, playing tennis, and flying airplanes. A licensed pilot, with a seaplane rating and a long-time member of the Ski Patrol, he also enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his family and friends. Dr. Sturmer is survived by his wife, Karel Ann; his six children, and his 11 grandchildren. He died peacefully in the presence of close family members. Friends and family are invited to celebrate from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sturmer family home located at 2938 Goodes Ferry Road, South Hill, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Heart Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Karl Ann and your family. You both have been so nice to me and I loved working with Dr. Sturmer at the hospital and at the Chelation clinic. He was a great guy and loads of laughter.
Theresa Morris
June 05, 2012 | Charlottesville, VA
Fred Sturmer was indeed a gentleman that gave more than he ever asked for. He simply made the world a better place.
Greg Wheal
June 04, 2012 | Richmond, VA
It was an honor to call Dr. Fred my friend as we had a lot of laughs over the past few years. I will truly miss his smiling face and his quick wit. I did not know until just the other day he had taken my tonsils out when I was a child....life does sometimes come full circle. May God comfort his family at this most difficult time, especially, Karel who will miss him the most.
Denise Williams
June 04, 2012 | South Hill, VA
It was a true honor to have known Dr. Sturmer. He was highly respected by so many in the medical community. He will be greatly missed.
May God comfort each of you during this difficult time
Sincerly
Mary Hardin
June 03, 2012
My prayers to Dr. Sturmer's family. He was there for me through a couple of medical stuggles. Dr. Sturmer was as compassionate as he was talented as a surgeon.
Elizabeth Boles
June 03, 2012 | Lynchburg, VA
My condolences to Doctor Fred's loved ones. I thought highly of him. He will surely be missed by a great many people. Blessings to you, his family, as you adjust to his passing.
Cynthia McTyre
June 03, 2012 | South HIll, VA
God rest you Fred.
You always had a smile and good word for anyone you came in contact with.
It was a blessing to have known you.
Our sympathy to all the Sturmer Family.
Stan and Mary vonGrabill
Mary vonGrabill
June 03, 2012 | South Hill, VA
Rest in peace
Michelle
June 03, 2012 | Clarksville, VA
Dr. Sturmer was one of a kind! Was a privilege working beside him. He will be missed greatly.
Michelle Bradley Morrison
June 03, 2012 | Clarksville, VA