Lester H. Sternard

Lester H. Sternard, 80 years, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Saturday morning August 24, 2024 at his home.

He was born June 23, 1944, in Sturgeon Bay the son of Richard and Mable (Wilke) Sternard. Les graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1962. His indomitable spirit and charismatic personality led him down a varied working career, a career interacting with customers and the public. After high school, Les managed the Goldman Orchard before working in the Shipyard. He owned By Way Grocery Liquor Store (now CVS) in Sturgeon Bay, the V-Bar, then The Stein (eventually sold to his brother, Wenzel). His personality would suit him as he embarked to real estate sales with Creative Leisure Realty. Les started, owned and operated All American Auto Sales before working with Jorn’s Auto Sales and eventually in auto sales with Port Plaza Auto until his retirement in 2006.

On October 13, 1979 he married Marsha Jo Johnson at Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay.

Les loved racing and he had so much joy watching his sons race, and worked on their cars with their teams, along with working in the pits on race nights. Not to be outdone, at age 64, he would race his own car that his sons built for him. He was known as the “Black Stallion” because he had no fear while racing. If it was racing season, family and friends knew Les and the boys would be at the track every Saturday night. He helped start the Door County Racing Association in the 70’s serving as President and was a member of the Door County Tavern League. In retirement, Les could be found riding the mower around his property. He loved cutting the lawn and being in the garden. Simply said, he loved being outdoors.

Surviving family include his loving wife, Marsha; three sons, Kevin (Michelle) of Sturgeon Bay, Richard (Jessica) of Germantown, John of Sturgeon Bay; daughter-in-law, Marla (Jeff) Lustilla of Sturgeon Bay; nine dear grandchildren, Melanie (Jacob) Boyd, Chad (Cynthia) Sternard, Kyle (Stephanie) Sternard, Ashley (Anthony) Moore, Hannah Sternard, Sophia and Cali Jo Sternard, Alexis and Tyson Sternard; seven precious great-grandchildren; his eight siblings, Darrell (Bev) Sternard, Nina (Al) Heckler, Pete Sternard, Donna (Tony) Fox, Gene (Sharon) Sternard, Glenn (Bette) Sternard, Ken (Jill) Sternard, and Rick (Rachel) Sternard.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Richard and Mable Sternard; dear son, Chuck; brother and sister-in-law, Wenzel & Ellie Sternard; and sister-in-law, Diane Sternard.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr. officiating. Burial will be at Shiloh Moravian Cemetery.

Friends may call Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Huehns Funeral Home and on Thursday from 12:00 noon to the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Sternard family, would be greatly appreciated.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Les may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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