Kerwin W. Sterler

Sheldon, Iowa

Kerwin W. Sterler, 70, of Sheldon, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026. His funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon with Father Siby Punnoose, officiating.

Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

KERWIN W. STERLER

BORN

January 3, 1956

Sheldon, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

June 27, 2026

Missouri Valley, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M. Friday, July 3, 2026

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Father Siby Punnoose - Officiating

MUSIC

“I Can Only Imagine”

“Blessings” – Laura Story

Cantor: Tyler Youngers

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“10,000 Reasons” 

“Amazing Grace”

“On Eagle’s Wings”

Organist: Laura Wagner

CASKET BEARERS

Dustin Sterler 

Joseph VanOort

Aaron Van Kley 

Kasyn Van Kley

Hayes Sterler 

Andrew Hilt

FINAL RESTING PLACE

East Lawn Cemetery

Sheldon, Iowa

After today’s graveside service, relatives, and friends are invited

to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

The grandchildren will discuss memories of “Pappa” during the time of fellowship.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

KERWIN W. STERLER

Kerwin William Sterler left his friends and family on June 27, 2026, due to an accident near his farm in Mondamin, IA. Born on January 3, 1956, in Sheldon, IA to Roger and Dena (Haken) Sterler. This small family moved to farm near Tyler, MN, where Kerwin went to school until the 7th grade at which time they moved to Ashton, IA.

From an early age, Kerwin learned the value of hard work. Raised on the family farm, he helped care for hogs and crops and took seriously his role as the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1975, where he also met the love of his life, Donna Lynne Sterk. The two were married on February 14, 1976, beginning a beautiful partnership built on faith, family, and hard work.

Kerwin began his career at AGP, where his dedication and leadership led him to the position of Maintenance Superintendent. After an impressive 42-year career, he retired, but retirement was never truly part of his vocabulary. Alongside his full-time career, he founded both a roofing company and a tree service. After selling those businesses in 1995, he purchased Sunset Plaza Trailer Park and continued expanding his entrepreneurial pursuits.

His remarkable work ethic allowed Donna to stay home and raise their three children, Stacey, Dustin, and Kelli while their children were still small. Together they created countless family memories through fishing trips, vacations across the country, and many adventures especially in Colorado, one of Kerwin’s favorite places.

On February 2, 2008, Kerwin’s life was forever changed by the heartbreaking loss of Donna after her courageous battle with cancer. Though devastated by her passing, he often believed God gave him extra work in the months that followed to help carry him through his grief.

In 2011, Kerwin found love again when he married Kathy Fitzgerald Hilt. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared dreams. They expanded their rental properties and continued growing Kerwin’s farming operation near Mondamin.

Kerwin found his greatest peace outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or working the land, farming was his quiet place- where he could unwind and feel closest to home. Summers at Okoboji became treasured family traditions filled with boating, water skiing, tubing, and laughter. Nothing brought him greater joy than seeing his children and grandchildren happy.

Kerwin lived a life defined by determination, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He believed there was always work to be done, always someone to help, and always time to make memories with those he loved. His greatest pride was his children and grandchildren, and the legacy he leaves is one of integrity, resilience, and selfless devotion.

Left to cherish Kerwin’s memory are his wife, Kathy; children and their spouses, Stacey and Joseph VanOort, Dustin and Crystallyn Sterler, and Kelli and Aaron Van Kley; grandchildren, Kendalyn, Hayes, Emarie, Kasyn, Kallima, and Nova; step-children, Tia (Ryan) Ten Napel, Rachel (Adam) Hatle, Andrew Hilt, and Sam (Traci) Anderson; step-grandchildren, Morgan, Alyce, Clara, Lilly, Sawyer, Julia, Austin, Maddox, Kenli, Gage, and Emery; siblings, Valoria (Kim) Verrips, Denise (Lance) Beimers, Cynthia (Tim) Herman, Rogerica (James) McDonald, and Wayne Sterler; also other relatives and friends.

Kerwin was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Dena Sterler, wife, Donna, brother, Jervis, second mom, Joanne Sterler, and father and mother-in-law, Marion and Nelvina Sterk.

Kerwin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His example of hard work, quiet strength, and unconditional love will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.