Obituary of Otto Gerardus Sterkenburg

Proving that even after living a long life of 100 years, it is no easier to say goodbye. Otto Sterkenburg has passed through this life’s doors to the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ and the love of his life, Hanny, who went before him. He passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Hythe Continuing Care Centre, in Hythe, AB.

Dad was born September 5, 1924, at 3:30 in the afternoon at home as was the custom at that time. His home was in the "Krnemelk's Haven" (Buttermilk Harbor) in the center of the city of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

He spent his school years admiring most of his teachers.  He could still remember all the field trips: who attended by name, what the weather was like, and what he learned at each one. In a country full of water he became a great swimmer. He continued swimming into his 80’s. During his teen years, Dad excitedly got to witness the initial commercial air travel and even the Hindenburg before it blew up.

Dad vividly remembered the sights, sounds, and every event of the day the Germans invaded his country in 1940 and changed his life. Trying to carry on an education and any kind of normal life became impossible especially when his father died soon after. He spent the last part of the war hiding on a farm. He had escaped from the Germans while being marched to Germany for slave labour. After being liberated, his new normal included falling for a cute blond girl named Hanny, who was pushing her bike with a flat tire.

After Hanny ended the relationship, Dad immigrated to Hythe, AB, in 1952 when he was sponsored by the Stickney family. A year later, after coming to the same faith in Christ as Hanny, he reached out to her. She bravely followed him to the muck of the Peace Country, where they were married in 1953. This was followed by many interesting homes and stories as they began their family of five children.

Dad became a jack of all trades in a variety of jobs, but probably will be best known as a seed buyer for Foster’s Seed and Feed for many years. This was followed by a stint as Town Manager for Beaverlodge. In the 1970s, he bought a farm south of town where some of the best memories for the family were held. They lived there for six years. After moving back into town, he spent many hours after work each day tending their beautiful yard. It became the place to see on 11th Street in Beaverlodge. There were many very lean years, but somehow the family always had food on the table and, later, a newer Ford to drive in. Dad’s faith remained strong, faithfully attending Hythe and the Beaverlodge Alliance Churches, as life threw many curveballs his way.

Dad was proud of his children and grandchildren. All he wanted for them was to make an honest living. His unending love for his wife, Hanny, was always front and center. Retirement had them walking up to Lover’s Lane daily, tending their yard, taking up golf, and traveling to see grandchildren living elsewhere.

Left with Dad’s memory are Rene and Irene Sterkenburg and their children: Derek (Allana), Stacey and Jamey Rey; June Forgie and her children Mitchell (Edna), and Michael (Katherine); Paul and Judy, their children Amy Sterkenburg (Orin Bratland), Matthew and Cheryl, Nathan and Janae; Tim and Sue, their children Teanna and Kyle Church, and Jayk; Ron’s sons Adam (Renee) and Jared. Fifteen great-grandchildren and one on the way, loved nieces, nephews, and cherished family in the Netherlands, and our special Canadian cousins – the Smith family.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Hanny, son Ron, grandson Joel, son-in-law Barry, and daughter-in-law Tami.

The family wishes to thank the Hythe Continuing Care Center staff for their compassion and their wonderful care of Otto.

Dad will be interred with his much-loved Hanny in the Beaverlodge Cemetery on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:30 am.

A Memorial Service for Otto will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Beaverlodge Alliance Church (409 10 St.), in Beaverlodge with a luncheon to follow.

A Livestream of the service will be available moments prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bear Lake Bible Camp (Box 390, Sexsmith, AB, T0H 3C0, www.bearlakebiblecamp.org/give).