Denice Leila Stertz

1938 - 2025

Denice Leila Stertz

December 31, 1938 - October 3, 2025

Denice Leila Stertz peacefully went home on October 3, 2025. She had family by her side as she was accepted by her heavenly household.

She was born December 31, 1938, in Manchester, IA, to Bert Myers and Viola (Converse) Myers. She was the youngest of seven children of a hard-working farm family. While her parents were taking care of the farm, her older sister Joyce stepped in to help raise Denice. Thus, developing a deep relationship between the two sisters until Joyce's passing in 2020. As a child, Denice made sure all the farm animals had names. She would ask her father if she could ride the horses, he would say no that they were plow horses and needed to rest. Though sometimes she would be allowed to ride the horses, she would receive a nip in the backside from the horse.

She married Frederick (Bud) Stertz on August 30, 1954, in Pierre, SD. A union of 35 years that produced seven children. She deeply loved her family and children. She made sure that they were taught that family comes first and to help those who cannot help themselves. With this she had help from her son Michael. Denice did not approve of foul language though given a time or two, she allowed herself the privilege of using it. It only came out when she was highly upset, she was not afraid to stand up for her family and herself. Denice was a safe place for her family as well; they could go to her for anything.

She had many hobbies; she enjoyed gardening though she swore she did not have a green thumb. Sewing was another favorite past-time of hers; she made the wedding dresses for several family members. She was always making clothes for her children and others. Denice made the uniforms for Randy's Pizza Barrel, and a special bathing suit made of handkerchiefs for cousin Janice Stertz. There was nothing she couldn't make, she also made ragdolls for all of the grandkids. Quilts were made for family members as well. She loved her flowers and gardens, even in the later years she was still creating gardens in her yard. While doing this, she enjoyed watching the changing of the seasons. She had a touch that could beautify anything once she set her sight on it. At one point she took classes at the Tech School in Rapid City for interior decorating, this led to a hobby of constantly arranging the house as she saw fit. Along with the changing of the wall color. She was also a self-taught painter, following Bob Ross as she was teaching herself. Her favorite color being blue. Denice poured heart and soul into everything she did, nothing was half-done. Like all mothers, she enjoyed spa days with her daughters, where they would wash, condition and even color each other's hair. She was always willing to try something new, and trying to tame her curls.

She enjoyed most movies except those that made her sad. Mel Gibson being her favorite actor. She enjoyed all kinds of music, especially rock & roll and country. She loved Elvis Presley, even getting to see him in concert. Another favorite past-time was reading, she was always up for a good mystery. Some of her favorite authors were Dean Koontz, James Patterson and Diana Gabaldon. Antique and thrift stores were among some of her favorite places to visit, either for a DIY project for the gardens or something inside the house. Denice was an excellent cook as well; she was always creating something new for family and friends to try.

Denice was a member of the congregation of the Methodist Church in Pierre. She was of the mindset that while others go to Church to become believers, she chose to show it through the way she lived. She is deeply loved by all that knew her, and she will be greatly missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Stertz, her parents and siblings. Along with her beloved daughter, Carol Matt. She is survived by her children, Vicky (Mike) Persing of Duluth, MN, Teresa (Jim) Sundermeyer of Woodbury, MN, Pamela Reardon of Appleton, WI, David (Becky) Stertz of Rapid City, SD, Jeffery Stertz of Rapid City, SD, and Michael Stertz of Rapid City, SD.

She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kirk Funeral Home

1051 E Minnesota Street ~ Rapid City, SD 57701 ~ 605-343-4808