Thomas Jay Sterkel

1952 - 2017

Thomas Jay Sterkel passed away on May 25, 2017 at North Suburban Medical Center, Thornton. He was 64 years old. Tom was born on August 2, 1952 in Loveland, CO to Peter, Jr. and Jean E. (Dreith) Sterkel. He grew up on the family farm in Berthoud where, as a toddler, he loved to chase chickens, and his dog. After moving to Longmont he often visited his grandparents with cousins, aunts, and uncles for Sunday dinners and homemade pickles. As a Boy Scout he was awarded the highest honor of Eagle Scout. He fondly remembered family trips around the United States in their camper. Tom graduated from Longmont High School in 1970, and from the University of Colorado School of Business in 1974 with his Bachelor of Science degree. He married Sarah M. Stegath on May 18, 1985 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tom worked in the Truss business for over 30 years. In 1999 he started the Truss Division of Alpine Lumber Company and continued on as a manager, truss designer and employee owner until his death. He shared a great camaraderie with his coworkers. Prior to this he was employed in the same capacity for Mtn. View Components in Longmont. Tom enjoyed sports especially CU Basketball where he had been a season ticket holder since 1979 when Coors Event Center opened. He also attended CU and Michigan football games as often as possible. He traveled to many sporting events: most recently the Orange Bowl, Alamo Bowl, the NIT and NCAA Basketball Tournaments, the PAC 12 Basketball Tournament; the Tour de France and the Rose Bowl. He loved spending time with his family especially visits to Disney World with his daughter Tenley and cruises. Tom loved a good laugh and cherished spending time with his family and friends. Tom is survived by his wife Sarah (Stegath) Sterkel of Longmont; his daughter Tenley J. Sterkel of Orlando, FL; his parents Peter, Jr. and Jean Sterkel of Longmont; and his sister Gale (Jack) Stoakes of Peoria, AZ. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, June 1, 2017 followed by a celebration of life reception from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Both will take place in the Touchdown Club in the Dal Ward Athletic Center on the University of Colorado Campus in Boulder 100 Stadium Drive Boulder, CO 80309. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to the Thomas Sterkel Memorial Fund to support CU Boulder Athletics. Gifts should be directed to https://giving.cu.edu/fund/thomas-sterkel-memorial-fund or the CU Foundation at P.O. Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences