Paul W. Sterner, 95, of Wrightsville peacefully entered Heaven on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Masonic Health Care Center of Elizabethtown. He is survived by his devoted wife Helen (Wise) Sterner, with whom he recently celebrated 76 years of marriage.
Born in York in 1913 to Ralph and Bertha (Fleming) Sterner, Paul was orphaned at an early age, and determinedly made his own way in the world beginning at age 15. He was an independent, self-directed learner who tenaciously continued his education through night school courses, ranging from welding, blue print reading, production supervision, and electrical engineering to sales and insurance brokering. He worked in Research and Development at American Chain and Cable Company. He later held positions with Union Roofing Sales, RO Hass Insurance Company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1978 he retired from the Engineering Department of Cole Steel/Litton Industries.
Paul was a long-time member of Second United Brethren Church, which became Faith United Methodist Church, and served with great dedication and wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Paul guided the union of Faith Church with Wesley United Methodist Church to form the present Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he again faithfully and energetically served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board for seven years. Paul was also a trained lay speaker and was past president of the Nifty Fifty Seniors at Aldersgate.
It was love at first sight for Paul and Helen Wise, and they were married February 10, 1932. Thus began the 76 year love affair of this devoted and inspiring couple. Early in their marriage they tragically lost their first son Gene at the age of 18 months. Later they were blessed with sons Jerry and Dennis.
In retirement Paul whisked Helen around the great United States several times, and they made trips to Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. Baptized once in the River Jordan, Paul and Helen proclaimed they might live to be 200 years old together. In addition to their travels, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially time at Chincoteague, and he was well-known locally for his skill and grace in skate dancing. Paul reluctantly hung up his skates at the age of 87. Deprived of immediate family early in life, Paul found a sense of fellowship as a Mason. His Masonic credentials are exemplary and include the following; A 60 year member of York Lodge 266 F&AM (50+ years since serving as Worshipful Master); Principal for over 30 years and now Principal Emeritus of 42nd Masonic School of Instruction; 50 year member of York Royal Arch Chapter 199; member York Council 21, Royal and Select Masters; York-Gethsemane Commandery 21, Knights Templar; Honary Past Sovereign Master, Sovereign Council 103 A.M.D.; Past Sovereign of York Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Bodies; member of First Capital 156, York Rite College of North America; White Rose Scottish Rite Club of York; recipient of the Meritorious Service Award with the Harrisburg Consistory, 32 Degree, member Degree Teams; and member of York Forest 30, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Paul is survived by Helen and sons Jerry W. Sterner and wife Judy of Wrightsville, and Dennis W. Sterner and wife Karen of Spokane, Wash. Also mourning the loss of this special man are grandchildren Daniel Sterner and wife Bonnie of Lewisberry, David Sterner and wife Connie of Wrightsville, Michael Sterner and wife Kjersti of Spokane, Wash., and Amanda (Sterner) Cowgill and husband Matthew of San Diego, Calif. Greatgrandchildren include Seth and wife Linda, Ian, Chase, Clay, Megan, David, Jonas, Isabel and Shelley Sterner, DJ and Marina Reinford, Addelyn Cowgill and greatgreat-granddaughter Madison Sterner.
A private burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 6/10/2008.
Born in York in 1913 to Ralph and Bertha (Fleming) Sterner, Paul was orphaned at an early age, and determinedly made his own way in the world beginning at age 15. He was an independent, self-directed learner who tenaciously continued his education through night school courses, ranging from welding, blue print reading, production supervision, and electrical engineering to sales and insurance brokering. He worked in Research and Development at American Chain and Cable Company. He later held positions with Union Roofing Sales, RO Hass Insurance Company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1978 he retired from the Engineering Department of Cole Steel/Litton Industries.
Paul was a long-time member of Second United Brethren Church, which became Faith United Methodist Church, and served with great dedication and wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Paul guided the union of Faith Church with Wesley United Methodist Church to form the present Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he again faithfully and energetically served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board for seven years. Paul was also a trained lay speaker and was past president of the Nifty Fifty Seniors at Aldersgate.
It was love at first sight for Paul and Helen Wise, and they were married February 10, 1932. Thus began the 76 year love affair of this devoted and inspiring couple. Early in their marriage they tragically lost their first son Gene at the age of 18 months. Later they were blessed with sons Jerry and Dennis.
In retirement Paul whisked Helen around the great United States several times, and they made trips to Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. Baptized once in the River Jordan, Paul and Helen proclaimed they might live to be 200 years old together. In addition to their travels, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially time at Chincoteague, and he was well-known locally for his skill and grace in skate dancing. Paul reluctantly hung up his skates at the age of 87. Deprived of immediate family early in life, Paul found a sense of fellowship as a Mason. His Masonic credentials are exemplary and include the following; A 60 year member of York Lodge 266 F&AM (50+ years since serving as Worshipful Master); Principal for over 30 years and now Principal Emeritus of 42nd Masonic School of Instruction; 50 year member of York Royal Arch Chapter 199; member York Council 21, Royal and Select Masters; York-Gethsemane Commandery 21, Knights Templar; Honary Past Sovereign Master, Sovereign Council 103 A.M.D.; Past Sovereign of York Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Bodies; member of First Capital 156, York Rite College of North America; White Rose Scottish Rite Club of York; recipient of the Meritorious Service Award with the Harrisburg Consistory, 32 Degree, member Degree Teams; and member of York Forest 30, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Paul is survived by Helen and sons Jerry W. Sterner and wife Judy of Wrightsville, and Dennis W. Sterner and wife Karen of Spokane, Wash. Also mourning the loss of this special man are grandchildren Daniel Sterner and wife Bonnie of Lewisberry, David Sterner and wife Connie of Wrightsville, Michael Sterner and wife Kjersti of Spokane, Wash., and Amanda (Sterner) Cowgill and husband Matthew of San Diego, Calif. Greatgrandchildren include Seth and wife Linda, Ian, Chase, Clay, Megan, David, Jonas, Isabel and Shelley Sterner, DJ and Marina Reinford, Addelyn Cowgill and greatgreat-granddaughter Madison Sterner.
A private burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 6/10/2008.
Paul W. Sterner, 95, of Wrightsville peacefully entered Heaven on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Masonic Health Care Center of Elizabethtown. He is survived by his devoted wife Helen (Wise) Sterner, with whom he recently celebrated 76 years of marriage.
Born in York in 1913 to Ralph and Bertha (Fleming) Sterner, Paul was orphaned at an early age, and determinedly made his own way in the world beginning at age 15. He was an independent, self-directed learner who tenaciously continued his education through night school courses, ranging from welding, blue print reading, production supervision, and electrical engineering to sales and insurance brokering. He worked in Research and Development at American Chain and Cable Company. He later held positions with Union Roofing Sales, RO Hass Insurance Company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1978 he retired from the Engineering Department of Cole Steel/Litton Industries.
Paul was a long-time member of Second United Brethren Church, which became Faith United Methodist Church, and served with great dedication and wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Paul guided the union of Faith Church with Wesley United Methodist Church to form the present Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he again faithfully and energetically served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board for seven years. Paul was also a trained lay speaker and was past president of the Nifty Fifty Seniors at Aldersgate.
It was love at first sight for Paul and Helen Wise, and they were married February 10, 1932. Thus began the 76 year love affair of this devoted and inspiring couple. Early in their marriage they tragically lost their first son Gene at the age of 18 months. Later they were blessed with sons Jerry and Dennis.
In retirement Paul whisked Helen around the great United States several times, and they made trips to Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. Baptized once in the River Jordan, Paul and Helen proclaimed they might live to be 200 years old together. In addition to their travels, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially time at Chincoteague, and he was well-known locally for his skill and grace in skate dancing. Paul reluctantly hung up his skates at the age of 87. Deprived of immediate family early in life, Paul found a sense of fellowship as a Mason. His Masonic credentials are exemplary and include the following; A 60 year member of York Lodge 266 F&AM (50+ years since serving as Worshipful Master); Principal for over 30 years and now Principal Emeritus of 42nd Masonic School of Instruction; 50 year member of York Royal Arch Chapter 199; member York Council 21, Royal and Select Masters; York-Gethsemane Commandery 21, Knights Templar; Honary Past Sovereign Master, Sovereign Council 103 A.M.D.; Past Sovereign of York Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Bodies; member of First Capital 156, York Rite College of North America; White Rose Scottish Rite Club of York; recipient of the Meritorious Service Award with the Harrisburg Consistory, 32 Degree, member Degree Teams; and member of York Forest 30, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Paul is survived by Helen and sons Jerry W. Sterner and wife Judy of Wrightsville, and Dennis W. Sterner and wife Karen of Spokane, Wash. Also mourning the loss of this special man are grandchildren Daniel Sterner and wife Bonnie of Lewisberry, David Sterner and wife Connie of Wrightsville, Michael Sterner and wife Kjersti of Spokane, Wash., and Amanda (Sterner) Cowgill and husband Matthew of San Diego, Calif. Greatgrandchildren include Seth and wife Linda, Ian, Chase, Clay, Megan, David, Jonas, Isabel and Shelley Sterner, DJ and Marina Reinford, Addelyn Cowgill and greatgreat-granddaughter Madison Sterner.
A private burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 6/10/2008.
Born in York in 1913 to Ralph and Bertha (Fleming) Sterner, Paul was orphaned at an early age, and determinedly made his own way in the world beginning at age 15. He was an independent, self-directed learner who tenaciously continued his education through night school courses, ranging from welding, blue print reading, production supervision, and electrical engineering to sales and insurance brokering. He worked in Research and Development at American Chain and Cable Company. He later held positions with Union Roofing Sales, RO Hass Insurance Company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1978 he retired from the Engineering Department of Cole Steel/Litton Industries.
Paul was a long-time member of Second United Brethren Church, which became Faith United Methodist Church, and served with great dedication and wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Paul guided the union of Faith Church with Wesley United Methodist Church to form the present Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he again faithfully and energetically served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board for seven years. Paul was also a trained lay speaker and was past president of the Nifty Fifty Seniors at Aldersgate.
It was love at first sight for Paul and Helen Wise, and they were married February 10, 1932. Thus began the 76 year love affair of this devoted and inspiring couple. Early in their marriage they tragically lost their first son Gene at the age of 18 months. Later they were blessed with sons Jerry and Dennis.
In retirement Paul whisked Helen around the great United States several times, and they made trips to Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. Baptized once in the River Jordan, Paul and Helen proclaimed they might live to be 200 years old together. In addition to their travels, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially time at Chincoteague, and he was well-known locally for his skill and grace in skate dancing. Paul reluctantly hung up his skates at the age of 87. Deprived of immediate family early in life, Paul found a sense of fellowship as a Mason. His Masonic credentials are exemplary and include the following; A 60 year member of York Lodge 266 F&AM (50+ years since serving as Worshipful Master); Principal for over 30 years and now Principal Emeritus of 42nd Masonic School of Instruction; 50 year member of York Royal Arch Chapter 199; member York Council 21, Royal and Select Masters; York-Gethsemane Commandery 21, Knights Templar; Honary Past Sovereign Master, Sovereign Council 103 A.M.D.; Past Sovereign of York Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Bodies; member of First Capital 156, York Rite College of North America; White Rose Scottish Rite Club of York; recipient of the Meritorious Service Award with the Harrisburg Consistory, 32 Degree, member Degree Teams; and member of York Forest 30, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Paul is survived by Helen and sons Jerry W. Sterner and wife Judy of Wrightsville, and Dennis W. Sterner and wife Karen of Spokane, Wash. Also mourning the loss of this special man are grandchildren Daniel Sterner and wife Bonnie of Lewisberry, David Sterner and wife Connie of Wrightsville, Michael Sterner and wife Kjersti of Spokane, Wash., and Amanda (Sterner) Cowgill and husband Matthew of San Diego, Calif. Greatgrandchildren include Seth and wife Linda, Ian, Chase, Clay, Megan, David, Jonas, Isabel and Shelley Sterner, DJ and Marina Reinford, Addelyn Cowgill and greatgreat-granddaughter Madison Sterner.
A private burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on 6/10/2008.
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