Daniel Paul Sturk

Daniel Paul Sturk, born April 9, 1986, in Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 31, 2025. Dan was known for his quick wit, steady quiet faith, kind heart, and deep devotion to his family and friends. Dan attended St. Paul's Lutheran School through eighth grade before continuing his education at Oswego High School for ninth and tenth grade. His family later moved to Madisonville, Tennessee, where Dan graduated from Sequoyah High School in 2004. He went on to earn his associate degree from Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee. Dan became a licensed optician and dedicated his professional life to helping others see the world more clearly. He worked for Walmart beginning in 2012 and remained there until his passing. Along the way, he also served for a year as an assistant manager at America's Best and shared his knowledge by teaching laboratory courses at Roane State. Dan took pride in his work and was respected for both his skill and his engaging nature. Dan is survived by his loving family: his mother, Barbara Clark; his father, John Sturk; his stepmother, Linda Sturk; his brother, Robert Sturk, sister-in-law Robyn Sturk, and nephews Elijah and Isaac Sturk; his sister, Kristy Tallent, brother-in-law Wesley Tallent, and nieces Mia and Melissa Tallent; and his paternal grandparents, Audrey Sturk and John Sturk. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who were an important part of his life. Dan was preceded in death by his stepfather, Paul Clark, and his maternal grandparents, Beryl and Robert Brinkman. Dan had a way of spreading happiness to others through doing the things he liked best. He loved modifying his Hyundai Genesis and bringing it to car shows with friends. His car, "BatDan," captivated everyone who saw it, especially when Dan took his Pomski, Zaba, to the shows. More recently, his Pomski dogs, Nico and Nash, have been close to his fun-loving heart. Dan faced lifelong health challenges, yet he never allowed them to define him or dampen his spirit. He followed Christ's example, knowing that in John 16:33 Jesus promised: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Dan lived life to the fullest and loved to the fullest. He connected with everyone through his awesome sense of humor and positive attitude. Dan will be deeply missed. A service celebrating Dan's life will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 260 Wade Rd W, Loudon, Tennessee.