William "Bill" Arthur Sterling

William “Bill” Sterling, 83, passed away on June 18, 2024. He was born January 11, 1941 in Edgerton, Wisconsin, the son of Rev. Donald Melvin Sterling and Clarice Mae Evenson Sterling. He was the middle child of three boys, and together they could get into some mischief. The family enjoyed being in the outdoors camping, hiking, and traveling. Into adulthood, he retained the agates he collected from the shores of Lake Superior. As a minister’s son, he lived in many towns and attended different schools, graduating from high school in Eldora, IA.

Bill was baptized on April 6, 1941. He was raised in the church and continued to have a strong desire to serve. He was an active member of Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in N. Mankato, MN. At different times throughout his life, he took on roles that included Sunday school teacher, lay leader, youth group leader, Walk to Emmaus team leader and speaker, and attended Bible studies and conferences. Bill collected and wore shirts and ties with Christian images and messages. He was hardly ever seen without one of his cross necklaces.

He married Barbara Leone Roberts on Aug. 24, 1963 at the United Church of Christ in Spring Valley, MN.  During their courtship they could be found dancing at the Pla-More Ballroom in Rochester, MN and cruising around in Bill’s “candy apple red" 57 Chevy convertible. They continued to enjoy dancing together and eventually joined a square dancing club where they made lifelong friends.  

Bill and Barb had a true love for each other that sustained them throughout their 60 years of marriage. Together they had three children: Robert, Kimberly, and Connie. For Bill, family came first and he was quick to respond to their needs. He attended their activities and often volunteered to be the driver and chaperone. 

Bill spent the majority of his life alongside his wife as the owners and operators of Your Sterling Cleaners in Mankato, MN. After attending the International Fabricare Institute in Maryland, he became the dry cleaning department supervisor at Dison’s Cleaners in Rochester. He moved on to become the plant manager for three different Martinizings. He had a strong desire to own his own dry cleaners and eventually moved his family to Mankato, where he bought an existing cleaners and changed the name. He wanted Sterling as part of the name because the word sterling means to be of excellent quality, and that is what he was know to provide his customers. The business was truly family-run with all of his children working there while still at home.

One of Bill’s greatest joys was being in the outdoors and camping. Many weekends were spent at campgrounds with family and friends. He and Barb were members of the Rolling Squares and Good Sam’s Camping Clubs. Another favorite of his outdoor activities was cycling. He and Barb could often be seen riding their side-by-side tandem recumbent bike. Bill belonged to a cycling club and participated in many group rides. He was also a very good swimmer and completed a few triathlons. During winter months, he enjoyed downhill skiing and was on the ski patrol at Mount Kato.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barb; son Robert (Sue) Sterling of North Mankato, daughters Kimberly (Michael) McElroy of Sioux Falls, SD, and Connie (Eric) Rockvam of Mankato; grandchildren Elizabeth (Daniel) Sterling-Abela, Tanner (Henni) Wilcox, Mitchell (Ciera) McElroy, Connor (Bethany) McElroy, GraceAnne Sterling, and Lindsey Rockvam; step-grandchildren Charlie Dundas, Katie Endersbe, and Annabelle Endersbe; great-grandchildren Emilia Wilcox, Stella Wilcox, Xavier Abela, Sebastian Abela, Foster McElroy, and Petra McElroy; step-great-grandchildren Charlie Dundas III and Monroe Dundas; brothers David (MaryJo) Sterling and Alfred Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25 at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in North Mankato with Rev. Dan Crandal officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Woodland Hills Funeral Home is handling arrangements.