Nancy Louise Sterk

Nancy L. Sterk of Rush City died Wednesday (4/3/13) at the Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, MN at the age of 70 years. Nancy was born December 1, 1942, in Crookston, MN to Grant and Elizabeth (Zupetz) Hauger. The second of four children, she and her siblings were raised in Baudette, MN. The family enjoyed many adventures traveling, fishing and camping. After completing high school, she left to attend the University of Minnesota. Nancy received a degree in education and went on to teach French in Robbinsdale. Eventually, she moved to San Diego, CA to study for an advanced degree. While there, Nancy met her husband John, a Naval Helicopter pilot. They married 16 Aug 1969. A few years later, John left the Navy, at which point the two settled in Vancouver, WA. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1973. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Gunnison, CO, where John grew up, in order to be closer to family. Nancy worked at the Gunnison Country Times newspaper as a proof reader while John obtained his degree in education. Their son Peter was born in 1977. In 1980, The Sterks headed north to Minnesota, Nancy’s home state. They lived in Gilbert, MN for two years before settling in Rush City, MN in 1982 after John acquired a teaching position in the area. Nancy immediately got involved in the community, working with the local 4-H club and the Rush City Beautiful Committee. She continued her work in journalism by joining the local ECM Post Review, where she worked as a reporter and photographer for several years. Nancy's special avocation was music. Upon arriving in Rush City, Nancy got an opportunity to work closely with the high school band and choir programs. She accompanied the students for concerts throughout the year, as well as accompanying performers for contest pieces. This let her do something she enjoyed greatly: working with the students and seeing them grow excited about music. In addition to working with the school, Nancy was the organist for Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 18 years. She enjoyed the collaboration with her cantors and choir members. Once her children completed high school, Nancy decided to return to work, starting at Rush City Foods in the produce department. She enjoyed the opportunity this provided to interact with the community. She will be greatly missed by all. Nancy is survived by her husband John, daughter Elizabeth Sterk of Rush City, son Peter Sterk of Rush City; mother Elizabeth Hauger of Baudette, sister Barbara Hauger of Thief River Falls, brothers: Byron (Marcia) Hauger of Graceton, Geoff (Mary) Hauger of Orland, Maine; nephews: Harland Hauger, Clark Hauger, Gary Hauger; nieces Margaret Hanscom and Lauri Tyler. Nancy is preceded in death by her father Grant Hauger Father Ralph Huar will officiate a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday (4/9/13) at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. Visitation will take place on Monday evening from 5-7:00 pm. at the Olson Funeral Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Nancy Sterk of Rush City are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City; Olson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com