Lorne Sterner

Lorne Wayne Sterner, 76, passed away October 25, 2017 after a long battle with pulmonary disease.

Lorne was born in Britton, South Dakota to Claude and Ellen (Bergman) Sterner on July 1, 1941. He began learning at a one room school, where he was taught by his mom for two years. After that, he attended school in Brampton until he was a sophomore in high school. He graduated from Cogswell in 1959. He received an Associate Degree from Wahpeton State School of Science and then worked in Electronics, Radio and TV repair for Linkurt Electric in San Carlos, California. His job had him traveling around to the Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana, Kansas and California where he installed communication equipment. In 1962 he began working in Fargo for AT&T and continued working in Casselton in 1966 until he retired in 1999.

In 1966, he married Ellen Clark in Beltrami, MN. They lived at Horseshoe Bend Trailer Court, until they moved west of Casselton. Then, on Christmas Eve, 1970, they moved to their present home, where they raised their three children, Laura, Julie and Becky.

Lorne was passionate about wildlife and wildlife projects. He was the President of the ND Wildlife Federation for years and started the Report All Poachers program. As a member of the Cass County Wildlife Club, he served as president for several years, a board member and co-chairman of fundraising for 34 years. He also was a member of the NRA. Lorne loved sharing the joy of hunting with others and instructed hunter safety classes for 45 years.

He attended Martin’s Lutheran Church in Casselton where he was the Director of Sunday School for several years and in past years was on the board. He was a participant in the ministry of Red Willow Bible Camp for over 10 years and was also a member on the board. He volunteered for the City Planning and Zoning committee for 28 years and was on the Board of Adjustment and the Cemetery Committee. He was the recipient of the Casselton Community Service Award in 2002.

Lorne enjoyed many wonderful fishing and hunting trips over the years with Ellen and his dear friends, Jim and Paulette Schmitt. He enjoyed autumns at Cherry Lake where he camped, fished and hunted for geese and the elusive Sandhill Crane. He shared his love of nature, camping, hunting and fishing with his girls and their families. He was a supportive husband, brother, father, grandpa and great-grandpa that loved being there for his family. He enjoyed playing games when he won and didn’t appreciate the idle chit-chat when he was losing.

Survivors include his wife, his soulmate and best friend, of 51 years, Ellen (Clark) Sterner; sister, Carol (Emery) Kraft of Pelican Rapids, MN; daughters, Laura (Michael) Stone of Wahpeton, ND, Julie (Darin) Streifel of Barnesville, MN, and Becky (Thomas) Baucom of Midlothian, VA; grandchildren Aaron (Aly) Stone, Isaac Stone, Tyler Streifel, Abigail Baucom, and Andrew Baucom; and great-grandchild Elliott Stone.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ellen and Claude Sterner, and sister, Claudine Wilson.

Visitation: Sunday, October 29, 2017 at West Funeral Home in Casselton  from 5-7 PM followed with a service of remembrance at 7 PM.

Funeral Service: Monday, October 30, 2017 at 11 AM at Martin’s Lutheran Church in Casselton with Pastor Michael Jacobson officiating.

Interment: Casselton Cemetery

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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