William Joseph Sterner

October 13, 1930 – January 6, 2021

William (Bill) Sterner went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 6, 2021 after battling many medical issues, none of which can dim the light he brought to this world.

Bill shared his life with his beautiful bride Pat for 66 years, and together they had 4 children; Mike (Ann), Mark (Krissy), Rene (Steve), and Mary (Gustavo) – who in turn gave them 13 amazing grandchildren Katie, Chris, Bryan, Nick, Joe, Ashely, Alexei, Erin, Dan, Tim, Adriana, Marcella, and Gustavo and 6 beautiful great-grandchildren – Owen, Ben, Kenadi, Madelyn, Myles, and Lincoln.

Bill was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Joseph and Jennie Sterner and grew up in Argentine Kansas. He attended Ward High School where he worked hard in his studies and excelled in Baseball, Track, and Basketball. He was a good-looking young man and was crowned Homecoming King by his classmates in 1947; but most importantly, he was “a best friend”!

After high school, he chose to delay his college education and serve his country. He joined the US Navy where he became an Aviation Electronics Technician and was assigned to the 112th Airgroup aboard the USS Philippine Sea. They were deployed to the Pacific in support of the Korean War. Bill was dedicated and proud of his service and returned with many stories to tell his family, friends, children, and grandchildren of his exciting adventures in the Philippine Islands, Japan, and other places in the Pacific.

Shortly after his return, he met his beautiful wife Pat on a blind date at a nursing school prom. After the first dance, he fell for her and never let her go. They waltzed through 66 years of marriage without missing a beat. Bill was completely devoted to Pat to the very end, giving all of us a living example of a lifelong, loving marriage.

Looking to be a good provider for his wife and family, Bill attended Central Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in Electronics. After graduation, he worked as an instructor at the school. Right after Bill and Pat were married, he accepted a position with Sandia Labs, and they moved to New Mexico. Shortly after they found Pat was pregnant with twins! They returned to Kansas City just before the boys were born in order to be closer to family. It gave them a chance to care for Bills grandmother, and later Pats’ mom, before their passing. They bought a home in a beautiful neighborhood and gave life to two beautiful girls: Rene’ and Mary. Despite having a wonderful life in Kansas City, they were lured to California’s “Blossom Valley by Bill’s lifelong friend Dick Aaron. Bill was excited by the prospects of a great job in the electronics industry and longed to be near the ocean again.

Bill worked hard to build a life in California, landed a great job in electronics and became a pioneer in the computer industry. He went back to school at night and obtained a degree in Business; all while working full time and caring for his family.

Bill continued his passion for baseball by coaching little league and influenced many young men and women through his gentle, firm and humorous manner, including his sons, daughters, and grandchildren. Although some pursued other passions like dancing, cheerleading, and soccer – he was there to support them. He was also an amazing math tutor – known for his patient and gentle approach to helping every student learn to solve complex problems in math, geometry, algebra, trigonometry and calculus.

Bill loved the Lord with all his heart and was a devout Catholic. He supported the church and raised his children in the faith. The Valley was growing rapidly and there came a need for an additional church. Bill and Pat joined other faithful followers to start a new parish in the Almaden Valley. The Church faithful helped to fund the lease of property off Almaden Rd. A Prune processing shed on the property served as a temporary church until a new church could be built. With their toolboxes, sweat, love, faith, and perseverance and under the hand of God, they built Holy Spirit Church; not just a building, but a beautiful church family that has impacted many lives and is still thriving today!

Bill had a servant’s heart, through the church as well as on his own. He sang in the church choir, frequently worked on the facilities and landscaping, was the chairman of the worship board, a lector, and a Eucharistic minister. He served and gave to many organizations and individuals who were in need and was especially moved by and assisted with the service Holy Spirit Church provided for the homeless in San Jose.

Bill loved sailing and golf. He, along with a very dear friend worked hard to keep a couple of sailboats afloat in Santa Cruz and shared many seafaring adventures with his family and friends. He also loved golf and played weekly, which kept him in great shape and most importantly served to build deep and lasting friendships and memories with many others, including his sons and grandsons.

Everyone who crossed paths with Bill was touched by his caring, loving, and joyful spirit. There simply is not enough room to share all of Bills impact on this world, especially the impact on the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill will be missed, but the legacy and power of the laughter and love he left with each of us, will endure!

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Bills favorite charities: St Jude Hospital, Unbound, Sacred Heart Community Services (San Jose, CA)