James L. Sterup

James L. Sterup, age 89, of Stromsburg, Nebraska, passed away June 7, 2024 at his home in Stromsburg.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stromsburg Evangelical Free Church in Stromsburg with Pastor Keet Redden officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church. Pianist will be Roni Branting. Musical selections will be “He Lives”, “Jesus Loves Me”, and “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Inurnment will take place prior to the service in the Osceola Cemetery for immediate family.

James was born April 8, 1935 in Waco, Nebraska to Harry Raymond and Olive Lenora Carter Sterup. He attended school in rural Polk County and graduated from Osceola High School. He graduated with a BAdegree from Hastings College in 1956, then attended Nebraska State Teachers College-Kearney where he received his Masters degree. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln where he received his Administration endorsement.

On June 24, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joan Marie Johansen. To this union four children were born. James began his career in education as a teacher, coach and in school administration as Principal and Director of Secondary Education. They lived in various places including Clarks, Kimball, Henderson, Columbus and Bellevue, before retiring in 1997 and moving to Stromsburg in 2016.

In his 40’s, Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He grew in his faith and has a well worn Bible. Two of his favorite verses were John 14:6 “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” and Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

He was a member of the Stromsburg Evangelical Free Church. He was active in various community clubs and service organizations, including Jaycees, Sertoma, Gideons, Kiwanis and was a TeamMates mentor.

He enjoyed reading, sports and visiting with people.

Survivors include his wife Joan of Stromsburg; children: Jacki (Ardean) Kliewer of Perham, MN, David Sterup of Tecumseh, and Mary Enloe of Waterloo; 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; one brother Dick Sterup of Rogers, AR; sisters-inlaw Dorothy Cole, Janet Johansen, Jackie Fjell and JoAnn Donelson; brother-in-law Bill Johansen; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Olive Sterup; son Jerry; brother Tom; motherin- law and father-in-law Arthur and Alice Johansen; brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law: Barbara Sterup, Eugene ‘Jinx’ Johansen, Gene Cole, Dave and Patty Richards, Bob and Margie Johansen, Nadine Johansen, Jerry Johansen and Dennis Johansen.

Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Special Olympics or donors choice.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome. com