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Wayne Sternberg Obituary

Wayne Sternberg Wayne Sternberg died on April 7, 2020 of Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) complications at Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was 71. He leaves behind his loving, devoted soulmate - Joanne Sternberg. As Connie Francis sang in 1964,"Al Di La", my love and buddy. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Sternberg; step-son, Thomas Bengtson (Eliana and step-grandson, Caelan, 2) of Washington, D.C.; step-daughter, Jeanne Grose (Jason and step-grandsons; Jonah, 6 and Jaxon, 4) of Bradenton, Florida. Surviving are his brothers; James Sternberg (Angela) of Pinckney, Michigan and John Sternberg (Jan) of Moses Lake, Washington along with many caring nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no formal funeral but if you wish to contribute, please do so to the Lakewood Ranch Hospital ICU COVID-19 Nurses Fund (for those who cared for Wayne). Contributions may be mailed to step-daughter Jeanne Grose at 5328 87th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34210 who will be handling the Nurses Fund. Wayne, Joanne, and daughter, Jeanne moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2002 for his new job and to be here for her parents. They had many good years with them. There was a lot of fun at Siesta Key Beach, family celebrations/dinners and golf before they passed away. Wayne was born in Bad Axe, Michigan in 1948 to Walter and Beatrice Sternberg who predeceased him. Wayne was the youngest of three brothers, Jim and John. The family lived and worked around the area known as The Thumb in Northeastern Michigan. His great-grandfather came from Prussia (now part of Germany) and his mother's family emigrated from England. Wayne developed a love for building projects from different types of wood. At the age of about nine years old, Wayne built his first rabbit hutch and dog house. Throughout the years, many woodworking projects were completed. His love of building progressed to modelmaking of sailing boats. The fifth and last ship built was finished in September 2019 named the Royal Caroline 1749 George II's yacht. It was an enormous undertaking. He continued building and loved making LEGO boat models with his two local grandsons. They did complete Walt Disney's 100th Anniversary Steamboat Willie Model with Mickey Logo after Christmas. Wayne and his wife enjoyed all things Disney. They were Disney enthusiasts since the 1980's. After moving to Florida in 2002, they became Annual Passholders. Their last minute, go-to vacation was usually at Disney World for the many festivals and personal celebrations. They were lucky to have taken the entire family of nine for a three-day vacation this year to Disney World before his passing. Wayne loved cats and had one when he married Joanne. Throughout the years there were four cats, with the last one passing at the age of 22 years old, just before their first grandson was born. Then their time and interest became the boys and family activities and felt blessed that two grandsons lived nearby in Bradenton, Florida. Wayne and Joanne went to many of the different car shows offered around Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. They also enjoyed attending the many Sun and Fun Fly-In Plane Shows in Plant City, FL. On one of their anniversaries, they flew in a Vietnam Era (Huey) Helicopter for about 20 minutes going over swamps, fields and cattle. They went to air shows in Venice, North Port, FL and elsewhere. They even met one of the last Doolittle Raiders Pilots. Wayne played golf a few days a week with his friends in the Legacy Mens Golf Association. Even after a long day of golf, he was ready for the next thing to do. He lovingly drove his wife to errands, appointments or to go visit his grandsons. He looked forward to when they would come spend time with him in the pool or riding bikes together. He loved projects around his house or his son-in laws and problem solving them. He liked to stay busy. Nothing was too big or too small for his time. His education was Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Wayne started his banking career in 1972 in Lansing, Michigan and retired in Florida from Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo) as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager and finalizing 34 years in banking. While working for Bank One/NBD (now JPMorgan Chase), he was recognized as the Number one City Executive at Bank One at a California Awards Ceremony receiving the Award from Jamie Dimon, CEO. He received other Awards and Achievements during his banking career and charitable work. Wayne served as Advisory Board Member and Chairman for Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University (1989-2001) Chairman 1993. Ingham Regional Healthcare Foundation Board Member (1992-2001) in Lansing, Michigan. After retiring, Wayne joined the Legacy Mens Golf Association (2006-2020) Florida, Rotary Club of Lansing (1984-2002) Michigan, Rotary Club of Sarasota (2003-2007) Florida, and Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch (2007-2010), Rotary Club of LWR Winefest Board (2009) Florida. Wayne had a beautiful and loving smile, twinkling eyes, and one of the kindest souls if you knew him. We will miss his laughs and hugs always.

Published by Bradenton Herald on May 24, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Uncle Wayne was an amazing man. I have many fond memories with him. He was a true family man. I always looked forward to seeing Uncle Wayne at family gatherings. I'll always remember Uncle Wayne with his smile that never left his face and his quick wit and humor. He is truly missed and loved.

John R. Doyle

Family

November 9, 2020

Joanne and family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Wayne's passing and hope you are able to find comfort in knowing how much peace and companionship he brought to others. Truly a gifted professional but even moreso a compassionate friend and we have enjoyed his personality for so many years. And so ever many get togethers - whether at home or formal - or Up North. Such wonderful memories I will cherish and wish you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Truly a life well lived, and giving to others. God Bless each of you and comfort you.

Jeanne Kapenga, M.D.

July 19, 2020

Wayne was a Super brother in law, loved his family very much and especially Joanne. He gave unbelieveable support to our parents during their finally years, and was one of the sweetest men we knew. He is sorely missed.

Tom & Diane Lobsiger

Family

May 23, 2020

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