Louise E Sterner

Louise (Wilson) Sterner, 90, of Naples, Florida passed away on June 4, 2024 surrounded by family. Louise was born on March 31, 1934 in Amboy, IL to parents George Wilson and Gabrielle (Desender) Wilson. Louise resided in Minneapolis, MN until moving with her husband, Al Sterner, to Grindstone Lake outside of Sandstone, MN and Naples, FL.

Louise was an only child who developed a love of exploring the shoreline around the Lake where she spent the majority of her formative years. Throughout her life, Grindstone Lake would remain special and enduring. Louise graduated from Sandstone High School in 1952 and entered the University of Minnesota that same year.

While working at an employment agency, Louise met her husband, Al Sterner, who was looking for assistance finding a new job. Al and Louise were married for 62 years. Together they enjoyed discovering new places but they always returned to their favorite spots in Door County, Wisconsin and their beloved Grindstone Lake.

Louise raised three Children and was involved in their lives and the lives of her grandchildren. Louise spent many hours gardening and especially cherished growing her heirloom Belgium beans. Louise's grandmother immigrated to the United States with the seeds and Louise valued the connection the seeds provided to her past. She recounted the history and stories of the beans to her children who grow the Belgium beans to this day.

Not long after marriage, Al and Louise began discussing plans to start their own company. From these early discussions, Attracta Sign, an outdoor electric sign company, was established in 1969. Attracta Sign grew from an idea into a regional company with a customer base that spanned seven states. Al always credited Louise with being the creative design master as well as the driving force on the sales team. For much of their married lives, Al and Louise lived and worked together. They were the consummate teammates.

After retirement, Al and Louise split their time between Grindstone Lake and Naples, Florida. The Lake was such a special place for Louise and a place where she spent time almost every year of her life. Louise loved boating from the north end of the lake to the south end speaking with friends and neighbors along the way and watching the sunrise from her back yard and porch.

Louise was an avid gardener and talented seamstress who sewed clothes and costumes for her young children and she was known to make lovely pillows and curtains for family members. Louise was an animal lover, particularly cats, and in addition to raising her own cats, Tattoo, Daisy and Raja she also created outdoor protective shelters to keep stray cats safe and warm during the cold winter months in northern Minnesota.



Louise is survived by her husband Al, her children Robyn Rock, David Sterner (Mary) and Tami Zupon (Tom). Six grandchildren Rob Benson (Shea), Shannon Sexton (Luke), Ellie Rosler (Will), Joe Sterner, Jake Harms, Cydney Harms and six great grandchildren Joseph, Hailey, Cooper, Jaelyn, Taylor, Gauge and Baby Rosler due in September.

A private memorial service will be held at Grindstone Lake at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center at Grindstone Lake and Avow Hospice in Naples Florida.