John V. Sterchi

Sept. 7, 1959 - Oct. 8, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - John “Sterkman” V. Sterchi of Indianapolis, passed away on October 8, 2018 at home. He was born in South Bend, IN on September 7, 1959 to Phyllis (Schweisberger) Sterchi and the late Vernon A. Sterchi.

John graduated from John Adams High School in 1977 and from Indiana University in 1985, with a B.A. in Theatre and Drama. A Chicago actor, he spent many years as an ensemble member at American Blues Theater (American Theater Company). He also appeared at Northlight, Steppenwolf, Goodman, and performed regionally at Kansas City Rep., Madison Rep., The Kennedy Center, and Red Barn Summer Theatre. Memorable performances include A View from the Bridge (Jeff Award Nominee); American Buffalo; Below the Belt (After Dark Award Winner); A Lie of the Mind; Where Have You Gone, Jimmy Stewart; and the film, Road to Perdition. As a voice-over artist, John narrated over 300 children's books, training films, and commercials.

John is survived by his mother, Phyllis, of South Bend, IN; and his sisters, Diane (Scott) Roush of Greenwood, IN, Linda (Ken) Grimes of South Bend, IN, and Roxann (Jeff) Silvius of Carmel, IN. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Nathan Roush, Erin (Aaron) Stephens, Kristin (Jason) May, Jeffrey Silvius, Cortney (Kurt) Grandin, Kevin (Alexa) Silvius, and Allison Silvius.

John enjoyed coming home for holiday traditions with family and friends. He loved Indiana football and basketball, and vacationing in upper Michigan and Martha's Vineyard. John will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

Family and friends will gather from 12:00 PM on November 17, 2018, with a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM at Albright United Methodist Church, 504 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, IN, where John was a member. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Blues Theater, 4809 N. Ravenswood Ave. #221, Chicago, IL 60640.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sterchi

9 Entries

Mark Crewdson

June 23, 2020

I had no idea John had left us. For whatever reason John crossed my mind so I googled him and found this. I have great memories of John. We met in 1980 in Wright quad at IU Bloomington. We became fast friends. When I moved off campus a couple years later I roomed with John. We lived on Lincoln street with a couple other South Benders. The picture of us is from 1983. We went to Phyllises for Thanksgiving break that year. I even met Johns dad back in the day. John and I went to my folks for Thanksgiving the next year. We stayed in touch for a while. Saw John In a show in Chicago in 87. I was in South Bend after college and met my wife there. John was at our wedding in 1990. I was on business in Chicago a few years later and met up with John. We saw one of his friends shows at a little theater and had some drinks after. That was the last time I saw him. So sad to hear that John has passed. I know he is missed by many. I for one am proud to have called him my friend. RIP Sterchmont.

Love ya buddy,
Crew

Mark Crewdson

June 23, 2020

February 4, 2019

I was John's neighbor for 8 years, I have loads of great memories and stories hanging out with him. He was probably one of the funniest, most joyous people I have ever met.

To me, his spirit is still alive in Hoosiers, Jaws, Martha's Vineyard, James Taylor songs.

rest easy old friend.
GBRS
John Moulton
Chicago

Keith Byron Kirk

October 17, 2018

So very sorry to hear of your loss. John's humor and warmth always shown through in his performance and his life. He was a true artist. He will be missed.

F. David

October 15, 2018

My deepest condolences, from a Chicago actor buddy.

F. David

October 15, 2018

Dear friends and family of John. So sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences.

Char "Charlie" Harris Allen

October 15, 2018

Theatre IUSB would not have been the same without John back in the late 70s and early 80s. Proud that he was one of "ours". God speed, old pal. for family.

Lauri Dahl

October 14, 2018

To John's Family,
I am so sorry to hear this news and sorry for the loss to you and all of us. I am a member of American Blues Theater and I stage managed American Buffalo. He was such a "Chicago actor" with all that entails - gritty, honest, present. He will be missed.

Carol Swope

October 14, 2018

Phyllis and family,
Words have little comfort with such a loss, but my prayers and thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. It hardly seems 40 years have come and gone since those crazy years as kids together. I hold many fond memories from our time together, including the Albright Softball team and his sprouting passion for acting when we were in High School. Especially his introduction to the stage and his first roles when he was in Oklahoma and South Pacific. What a ride it has been for him as he shared his talent on greater stages! We last were together at a YF reunion where. true to form, he was the life of the party. We had some great laughs over many great memories and pictures with his perfect hair as we joked about the multiple cans of Consort hairspray he must have gone through! John definitely was one of a kind! May God comfort and strengthen all of you. And may peace heal your hearts knowing that in heaven, he is free of all illness and struggle.
With much sympathy,
Carol Snider Swope

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