Sterling J. Schoen

It was the summer of 1971 when I met Winnie and Ster at Camp Manitoumi in Illinois. He seemed bigger than life! During my college years and beyond I would visit them in Alhambra, eat at the diner, go to the nursing home with Ster, attend their church, enjoy the beautiful music they made together and spend time with their extended family. I marveled at their love for others, their "open heart" and "open home" policy. Who could forget all those clocks ticking at the same time! I shared...

I am very saddened to learn of Sterling's passing away. I cherished my times with him and Winnie at Youth for Understanding meetings and activities. He was indeed an ambassador for helping others whatever the situation. Rest in peace my friend.

I have known Sterling and Winnie for many years and appreciate their loving, caring nature. Sterling has left a wonderful legacy of service and devotion to his fellow man. Helping those who have been in desperate need should truly be an example to all of us.

Sterling was a wonderful and caring person. I have know Sterling all of my living life, he and Edwina are two of the most loving people God ever put on this earth. I remember when I was about 14 years old Sterling asked me if I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and did I believe that he died on the cross for my sins. I told him that I did and I thanked him for caring about me that much. Sterling and Winnie were always so kind to my Mom, Gloria who lived right across the street from them....

I am so sad to hear this news. He was an inspiration to many students . He will truly be missed. James ( Jimmy) Hancock Swing Choir member tenor section 1993-1995 Coolidge Jr high school.

I moved to the Alhambra/Livingston area from Bethalto when I was a sophomore in HS, in 1966. My family started attending 1st Baptist Alhambra where Ster & Winnie were youth leaders. They immediately made me feel welcome in the youth group and soon they became like parents to me. They greatly influenced my life, but especially in two areas. They encouraged me to go into education, where I have been now for 43 years. I also met my wife Sandy through the youth group. I know, without a...

Mr. Schoen was my band instructor when I was in elementary school at McKinley in Granite City in the late 1960's. He is to this day one of my favorite teachers, and made a huge impact on me. He was a good man!

I will miss seeing Sterling when I come to visit and will miss hearing him play beautiful music, but have to praise the Lord as well for keeping His promises in John 14:2,3 and because I know I will meet Sterling again just inside the Eastern Gate.

Sterling will be sorely missed. He accepted my husband Vince and I without reservation into his family. We traveled with and Winnie to Iowa an then off to Tennessee about a year later. he was a wonderful man, a great father, Grandpa and adopted dad by Vince and I. The family has seen three of our family members die for the last three years; first his son Al, a year and half later his 'adopted' son Vince and now Ster, our homes are missing some of the best men I have ever known, I will miss...