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Sterling Niitsuma Obituary
Born October 8, 1980. The oldest of seven Children died tragically on August 24, 2013.
Sterling will always be known for his charismatic laugh and smile, and his huge love for MMA. A lover of life, true friend, prankster and tease who brought laughter and joy everywhere he went. He will be sorely missed by all.
Survived by parents Dan & Mindy. Siblings: Greg, Chad (Heidi), Jamie (Doug), Katie, Brady, Conley.
Memorial Service only (no viewing) on Friday, August 30th, 10:00 a.m. Brookhurst Ward, 1298 North 400 West, Centerville, Utah 84014.
In lieu of flowers donate to Sterling Dan Niitsuma fund at US Bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sterling Niitsuma
Tony Arruda
August 24, 2024
I miss you my brother. I wish we could have had more time together. I will see you again on the other side
Katie
September 6, 2023
I'm sorry it took so long. I know you know what I'm talking about. Stay with me right now. I need you. It had to be you and Dad. You used to talk so highly about family Sterling. Without you and Dad it's not. I know you see that. I wish you were here to make sense of things. I could always rely on you to understand. You always did. I take the things you taught me, and I'm doing my best to incorporate them now. I need to try harder. Thank you for listening. Your the only older brother I have that listens and understands and doesn't tell me what to do. Your respectful and you value what I say and think. You always have. Thank you for giving me someplace to stay, in Vegas. I'm with Chad right now. I'm grateful to have someplace to go. I'm sorry it took so long, I don't know the whole situation, and it really doesn't matter anymore. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I've missed you. Help me Bro, I'm so close to getting somewhere, just guide me and help me find the will to keep going. I don't know what I'm gonna do, but I need you and Dad to be here with me. More than ever. Babys the only thing, that's keeping me going. Please don't leave me. I need yours and Dad's positivity and strength more than ever. He always take the ones that are needed. Don't leave me Bro. Although this family is gone, I still need You. Stay with me forever. I love you Bro. Please stay.
Anthony B Arruda
August 22, 2020
Miss you bro love you see you in the next life. I was just getting to know you again you will be missed bro. Your homie Tony Arruda
May 18, 2020
Hello my name is Danny I met sterling in the year 2002 to 2004 he used to have his company sterling movers i used to work for him it broke my heart hearing the a good person that sterling was pass away I had good times with Sterling going to North Dakota with him to do a job I will never for get you my friend God be with you
October 7, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rhyan Bart
September 13, 2018
Sure miss you buddie just wanted to let you no im thinking bout you good buddie ... BART
Jonathan Zabaleta
July 3, 2014
not a day goes by that i don't think of you my friend. I miss you and i love you.
Rhyan aka Bart
March 7, 2014
Still thinking bout u old buddie times go and times pass and can't stop thinking one of my best highschool buddies is gone. Why we didn't keep in touch for the last couple years I'll never know . I never had a chance to say bye . Just wanted u to know how good of friend you always have been to me . See ya later my good buddie rip
Beth Slay
October 6, 2013
Chad,
So sorry to read of the passing of your brother. May the God of all comfort wrap His loving arms around you and your family during this time.
Jim Belmontez
September 28, 2013
Great Guy
Jim Belmontez
September 28, 2013
To Sterling's Family, so sorry for the lost of your son. I met Sterling when he came up to Clovis, CA. He was a person that he liked to work and always there to help someone, very little time I knew him. But seem like a real good man. Sterling you will be missed. God bless you and your family always.
Harold Stone
September 27, 2013
I love you bro......you were my best friend.
Buddy
Lora lei
September 26, 2013
:) <3 We all have 2 Things in commen. LIFE & DEATH. Hugs!
laura yadeskie
September 25, 2013
Sterling you will be greatly missed you were always smiling and always had an answer for any question I asked and you were full of love and have a ton of family and friends that love you so much rest in peace you were definetly taken too soon
September 23, 2013
STERLING U WILL ALWAYZ BE MISSED BRO TILL WE MEET AGAIN ON THE OTHER SIDE FOR NOW U R RESTING FOR ETERNAL LIFE MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO UR FAMILY! R.I.P STERLING D. NIITSUMA ALWAYS YOUR LONG TIME VEGAS FRIEND ROB GUZMAN AKA ROB G.VEGAS'L.A
Al Stepanian
September 21, 2013
New him for a short time but knew him well. Will Be missed by many. Touched many lives. Really a good man. The day he left all of us he was helping someone he barely knew... Farewell my good friend
Anno Soukharith
September 17, 2013
Miss you bro.
Kristyn Haydt
September 13, 2013
RIP Sterling. You will be missed.
Kizzy
September 4, 2013
r.i.p. tragic end to a good life
Lora Lei
September 3, 2013
Have a blessed journey Sterling thank u for being one of Pure Light Warriors
Kelly nulph
September 3, 2013
Dear Dan and Mindy i no thé pain you are going Through cause i to have had my Baby Boy Dié ( Skyler) and its the toughest emotions you Will ever go through, but you will get through this! About 9years ago Sterling moved into my House and ican say i had some of the best conversations with sterling ive ever had , and trust that he Would keep it between US, and that is Something rare to have in a friend! until we meet Again! My heart goes out to your Family!
Lora Lei
September 2, 2013
G
September 1, 2013
Dear Dan and Mindy and family,
I am sorry for your lose. Sterling was over to the house with our boys. May God bless you and bring peace to your lives. It is so unbelievable. Olley and Berdene Arruda
Roger and Bonita Sorensen
August 31, 2013
Dear Mindy, Dan, and family,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your beautiful Sterling. May the Father of us all bless you at this most difficult time.
With our love,
Roger and Bonita
Becky Blackburn
August 31, 2013
I am so sorry about what happened. I remember Sterling more when he was little. He loved to tease the girls at the reunions. Sorry I couldn't make it to his service. My heart is with you. If there is anything I can do let me know.
August 30, 2013
Mindy, So sorry to hear about the loss of your son Sterling. Take comfort in the many kind words shared about Sterling in this guest book.
Travis Tidwell
Courtnie Dornfeld
August 30, 2013
My deepest condolences to family and friends and for your life lost too too soon Sterling. My heart hurts.So happy though that I had the pleasure of knowing you, even for a short while.You will always be remembered!!! Much Love
nicholas curnutt
August 30, 2013
Im sorry for your loss its the hardest to lose a loved one. Jade and I are here if you need any thing
Villie Sala
August 30, 2013
First off, I would like to offer my condolences to Sterling's family. I am so sorry for your pain and loss. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sterling, I cant believe it. This is too tragic. I just want to tell you that I am so thankful to have known you. You are genuinely kind, SO funny, humble, always have been a gentlemen and true good friend. We shared some fun and happy times together with Jeff and the rest of the friends back then. Thank you for that. I'll always remember you! Although the angels and spirits must be so happy to reunite with you...I hope we see signs of you here from time to time.
God Bless
A day I'll never forget
August 30, 2013
Jerry and Joann Madding
August 29, 2013
To The Niitsuma family I can't imagine how you are all feeling. Sterling got his angel wings and will be around to guide you to get you threw the hard times. He was beautiful inside and out. To the parents you raised a wonderful young man. Tomorrow will be a very hard time for your family but remember the silly times with sterling and it will put a smile on your face. The maddings send our prayers and love.
August 29, 2013
Dan and Mindy, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray that Heavenly Father will bless you and your family with the peace, love, and joy that only HE can give. love you all Connie and Lavell Rayborn.
Sarah Ingmanson
August 29, 2013
??????????????
Michael Cohoe
August 29, 2013
I'll miss you, Sterling. You were like a brother to me. We were friends since high school and always looked out for each other. He was always good for a laugh and always lived life to its fullest. One day, after working out and eating at Rodizio Grill, a car double parked in front of my car while we were inside. Instead of waiting for the driver, we just picked the car up and moved it ourselves. No damage done of course, but life was just little more entertaining with Sterling. One of the best, loyal friends I've ever known. I can hear his infectious laugh and see his great smile when I think of him. My love and prayers go to his family. He always put family and friends before himself, and I know he effected everyone that got to know him.
Autumn Hebert
August 29, 2013
I can't believe this has happened. Sterling was my first real love, and I was his. He always said I was his other half. I am so sorry to the family. I will always have a special place for him in my heart.
August 29, 2013
Dan and Mindy, We love you and we love your beautiful family!! So Sorry for your loss! Our hearts are with your family. Love and Prayers to you all. Love Kevin and Susan mitchell
Susan (Fiedel) Butler
August 29, 2013
Dan and Mindy,
I am so sorry to hear about Sterling. I kept picturing our children playing together when they were little. My heart aches for you and your family. I wish I could be there tomorrow to hug you both but I will be there in spirit. God bless your family.
Avree obrien
August 29, 2013
The obrien family:randy,trish,avree,danny,ian
Collett Ainsworth
August 29, 2013
My heart aches, my stomach sick. I don't know how to handle what I am feeling. Thank you for inspiring me, for always being such a great friend and for all your advice through the years. This is hard, but I try to think about how strong you are and I know you would give me the advice to get through this. I love you forever and I can't wait to see you again! I hope you will visit me from time to time or you will visit me in my dreams!xoxo
sandy brimhall
August 29, 2013
Dan and Mindy, I was so upset to hear about Sterling. My heart breaks for both of you. We won't be able to make the funeral but our prayers are with you all. Love Sandy and Ray Brimhall
Dmarko Blewett
August 29, 2013
damn way to short of a life.thank you for being in my life little bro
Diana Kretzschmar
August 29, 2013
Dan, my Prayers go out to you and your Family! I knew your Son through mutual Friends and am so sorry for your loss!!
Diana from Honnen Equipment
McKenzie Peterson (Foulk)
August 29, 2013
Dan, Mindy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I can't imagine the pain you are going through, my heart aches for your pain. I have not seen Sterling since we were kids but chatted with him a couple times, it seems he has touched the lives of many. My prayers are with your family as this difficult time.
The Rausch Family
August 29, 2013
John and I were so sorry to hear of Sterling's passing. Your in our prayers and our hearts. If you need anything let us know.
Love John, Jennifer, Court, Serena, Sean, Shane, Caden, Jordan Rausch
August 29, 2013
Dan and Mindy and your great children, I am so sorry that you lost your wonderful son. I didn't know Sterling, but I am pleased to have had you as friends. Your family had a great impact on me and John. Love Dorothy Sullivan Francis, Utah
August 29, 2013
RIP Sterling.
August 29, 2013
My prayers go out to Sterlings family. He was a childhood friend of my daughter Lacy and he was such a great kid. Always polite and very respectful when he came to our home. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal - Love leaves a memory no one can
steal. Arvella & Dennis Holliday
Carlos Arruda
August 29, 2013
Man Sterling....although I havent seen you in years, this one is tough to swallow because we were good childhood friends...there's so much I'd like to say but, can't find the words because it just seems too unreal! But, hopefully one day we can see each other again. My thoughts go out to the entire Niitsuma family at this time. Much love, you will be missed. Bye man.
Anno Soukharith
August 29, 2013
Sterling Niitsuma an amazing friend,will be miss dearly by many. I will always remember your great character in my heart. May you rest in peace and your soul rise strong. Our angels will take care of a great man for us above.
Brenda Bruhn Hood
August 28, 2013
I can't imagine the pain you are going thru - I know that my heart aches for your pain. My prayers are with your family as this difficult time. God be with you til we meet again!
Carolina Granados
August 28, 2013
One of the last things Sterling said to me was "family first." He was always talking about how important family was to him. He helped me in so many ways and taught me a lot in the short time that I knew him. He has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met, always so sweet and giving and eager to help anyone out that needed it. I've never met anyone like him, and I'm so grateful and blessed to have gotten to know him. He will forever have a permanent place in my heart.
August 28, 2013
Dear Dan, Mindy and Family,
So Sorry to hear about Stirling. I wish we could come to the funeral. However, new jobs don't permit that. We are here for you. Call anytime. Families need to stick together. Remember he is now with Joel and Aunt Peggy, Grandma Mary and the rest of the gang. Life is eternal. We shall see him again. Love the Meadows
Marlene Little
August 28, 2013
Mindy, I am sorry to hear about the death of your son.
Bill and Karen Pedersen
August 28, 2013
Dear Dan and Mindy: Bill and I were so sad to hear about the death of your Sterling. Our prayers go out to your family at this time.
Love, Karen and Bill Pedersen
Nicole Libonati
August 28, 2013
We always had so much fun together. I'm going to miss your sweet smile and positive personality. You will always have a place in my heart.
Mike & Julie Haynie
August 28, 2013
Dan, Mindy and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We have fond memories of you all as wonderful neighbors and friends. Our boys had great fun with Sterling during his younger years and will remember him always. May the Lord comfort and bless you all.
With Love,
Lori Capson
August 28, 2013
Dear Dan & Mindy, I was so sorry to hear about your family tragedy. Just be comforted to know that Sterling is now in a better place than we are.
Candy Gines
August 28, 2013
Mindy,
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Nothing I write will lessen your pain but please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Candy
Sarah Hadley
August 28, 2013
What an amazing person! You will truly be missed by all who knew you, and those who just wish they did! Much love and respect!
Bryan Stone
August 28, 2013
Dan, Mindy, and family: I am very sorry for your loss. I am sorry for the loss to the world for that matter. It just won't be the same without him in it--it seems far more boring already. Fortunately, he left a lot with everyone whose life he touched. What a fantastic human. He lives on, and will continue to inspire with his memory.
Amy Williams
August 28, 2013
you were one of the first people I had met here in Vegas, you were always so nice to me from the very first time I served you at blondies. One of my first Loyal clients while trying to build my hair cutting business. you always let me experiment different styles and colors, you weren't afraid to trust me with your hair and beauty lol."as long as the ladies will like me" you always said. Oh Sterling, I don't think you ever had a problem with the ladies. You were such a great friend , positive person , no matter what , you knew how to put a smile on someone else's face, even if it was hard for you to have one for yourself. its so sad to know I will not see your bright smile anymore, but you will live on through many in our hearts. And to that, I think you for shining a little bit of joy to mine, your families, and anyone you encountered's life.
VINNY
August 28, 2013
Even tho i just met you this year you wer the best friend i ever had.I will miss you bro.
Ofa Mila
August 28, 2013
Hey man im trippin...havent seen you since highland...relax in paradise bro.....
Christina Jordan
August 28, 2013
Always in my heart. My love
Lora Lei
August 28, 2013
I will never foeget the first time i met you. Smiles first thing. Oh and how adorable. You n i became friends and co event planners and models in same photos we even won award winning partner pics. I remember when u n i wanted to date each other but my son Patrick Hogenson your bro declined it so although i always remembered our passionate kiss and always wilk i then called u Son :) you are my family and your now on the otherside with your bro my son Patrick. The 2 Most wanted pure light Warriors. I love u Sterling always have and always will. Thank u for laying next to me saturday night to say your spirit is atill near and watching over us. misses and kisses. Come visit anytime. Xo. Yours truely Lora Lei <3
Heather Woodward
August 28, 2013
Why do the good ones die young, I didn't know you extremely well, but I didn't have to, too know what a genuine kind of person you were!R.I.P
Kent Jensen
August 28, 2013
Dan and Mindy I am so sorry for your loss. If even for a short while, it would be nice to turn back the clock when we had so much fun making music together and not have to deal with such sadness. My best to your family.
Anthony Arruda
August 28, 2013
You were a great friend growing up. Ill never forget our memories we had together brother. You were like a second brother to me my friend. Rest in peace i will always miss you.
Gregory Filler
August 28, 2013
A gentle giant. I will miss you Sterling.
Now walking with angels.
Good Times
Deegan Wolf
August 28, 2013
You will be missed Brother. RIP
Gina Carter
August 28, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Sterlings loved ones. This is so tragic.
Danielle May
August 28, 2013
So happy to have you in my life Ster. You were such an amazing friend & always had faith in me when others did not. Miss joking around with you and yelling at football games with you. You will always have a place in my heart. Love u big bro.
Shawn Nunes
August 28, 2013
We were blessed to have you in our lives for such a short time, you are my angel brother please look. Over me!!!!
Wendy Hahm Pierce
August 28, 2013
My heart goes out to Sterling's family. I know what it is like to lose someone you love.
Ashlie Norman
August 28, 2013
Ster or "LingLing" as Aimz & I sometimes called you,
Ugh, I have so much that I wish I could say to you and wish I could hear you reply. You were so intelligent and ambitious. Even through some of the rough times you had, you were still such a positive person, you inspired me to have the same outlook on life that you always had. I found a copy of something that I had sent to you during one of your rough times that told you that no matter what happened, if you needed me, I would always be there for you and my loyal friendship would always be yours. I hope you truly know how much I meant everything I ever said to you. I will see you again some day, Sterling. Rest Peacefully.
Also, I do have to say that Sterling has the best parents that he could have ever dreamed of. And, I am blessed, not only to have known Sterling but to have been able to know his parents and build a strong bond with his Mom, Mindy whom I cherish. Prayers for strength and comfort for Dan, Mindy, and the whole Niitsuma family. <3
Jesse Silva
August 28, 2013
Sterling you were a great friend and your the reason I named my son sterling rest in peace brother you will for ever be in our hearts.
August 28, 2013
You were an amazing friend, boss, and confidant... you are loved and missed
Ellen Texeira
August 28, 2013
Mindy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a handsome young man. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Ellen
Dave Tucker
August 28, 2013
Your were an inspiration, a friend, and a brother to me! I will miss you but you will never be forgotten! I am honored to have been a part of your life my friend and to have made so many fun memories!
Daphne Mcgill
August 28, 2013
You will be loved and missed always sterling.
Susan Stoker
August 28, 2013
Sterling I share your love for MMA. You changed the world. Rest in peace sweet man.
Daphne Mcgill
August 28, 2013
I only knew syerling a short while.. But I was so blown away with his laugh sence of humor and a great person. So sorry for your loss. My prayers to his family.. He is a beautiful angel watching over you. God bless
rhyan bartholomew
August 28, 2013
Peace out homie we had alot of in highschool and yrs after.. Awsome friend sterling and where always down to help.. Rest in peace buddie.....................from aka bart
Paul Haynie
August 28, 2013
I have nothing but great memories with Sterling and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God bless,
Kaela Liebroder
August 28, 2013
Sterling you touched a special
A place in my heart, I will always keep that with me. This morning I woke up and there were butterflies circling around my patio, the one that we talked on the last time I saw you. I left for work, 5 hrs later they were still there. I hope that you are watching over all of us. I will miss you and RIP my sweet, beautiful man sterling. Love kaela
American Storm in oregon
Brad Cohen
August 28, 2013
my friend, my brother, I love you and miss you deeply sterling
Stephanie Wilcox
August 28, 2013
Sterling you are loved & will be missed dearly. It was such a pleasure knowing you. Your time came too soon. You are and will remain such a huge inspiration to all who knew you. Rest in peace sweet prince. <3
Alisha Pruitt
August 28, 2013
A little piece of my heart has died with you, my dearest Boba.
August 27, 2013
So sad to hear of this lost I used to work with sterling which we became friends.-he was a good man,loved life and always tried to make you laugh.He will never be forgotten may your family feel piece that you are in a better place.
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