I cherish the short time we got to know Tom as a neighbor (he always called himself "the better Tom").  I loved his sense of humor.  He once called me up and asked that I come across the street to do him a favor.  When I got there, I saw he was growing a beard.  He made me stand in front of Nyna, and repeat after him: "Nyna, I like Tom's beard, and I don't think he should shave it off."  He also wasn't afraid to drop strong hints that we should bring over some more of my wife's homemade strawberry jam.  What a guy.  Rest in peace, Better Tom.  
Sincerely, 
"Tom from across the street"

Dear Linda & Leesa,
This is cousin Betty Jane DuChaine Bennett.  I tried to keep in touch with Tommy on a regular basis, but time flys by when you reach your 80's.  The news was very sad, but I know he is with the Lord. I look forward to seeing him when I get there.  We had a lot of fun years growing up.  We were like brother and sister.  Tommy once locked me in the milk cooler and I had to climb out of the window.  He was also a very good friend.  When we would talk here recently that was all we did, reminise about the old days and we would get to laughing so hard...well you know what happened.  I send my love to you both.  God bless you.

My Dad, Willis Anderson, and Aunt Dottie have many fond memories with Tommy.  His warm character and smile will be greatly missed.  My sincere condolences.

My Sincerest condolences.  As a child and young adult I remember Tommy as smiling, loving, and jovial character.

My cousin Willis Anderson and I talked last night.  He shared with me his day of how he got to cousin Tommies viewing and how much it meant to him.  We reminisced about old times about Tommy and what an effect he had on each of us.  We laughed, we cried and we prayed that our Lord would take Tommy under his wing and guide him.  We love Tommy and will miss him, but have wonderful memories to sustain us during this time of loss.  We all send our love and prayers to both Linda and Leesa and all family members.  Love Cousin Denice Bennett Fulller

Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. He and Tess meant so much to me and they took me under their wings so many times. I miss both "Dad" and "Mom."

I was looking @ past pictures of Linda and Leesa tonight, as I grew up  with them. Christmas @ the Sterba's was the highlight of the year. All of us cousins grew together, laughed & @ times cried together.  Not only was my brother, Bill, & me connected as family, but we felt the warmth of their love especially @ Christmas.  So did my daughters. I found a picture of Jane's first Christmas @ Tess' & Tommy's; as we opened gifts sitting on their fireplace ledge. Jane's dressed in a red & white dress on my lap, next to us is Tess, and she is sitting next to my mom (Dorothy Jane Anderson) with my brother, Bill in front of us.  This is MY family and I am so blessed with such rich memories.  I was the "picked on" one when eating Christmas dinner sitting between Uncle Tom & Tommy "controlling" my food!  I loved it and felt so honored to be a part of their fun.  I came across Linda's & Jon's wedding picture, June 29, 1974 with the beautiful bride-Linda standing in front of the altar at St. Stephen"s Church.  Next to that picture is one of Blanche, my mom & Uncle Tom; and another of me and Auntie Sis all of honoring Linda.  Tommy knew my 2nd daughter, Sarah Ann too.  We were blessed he came out to our Stillwater home on Sarah's high school graduation smiling and adding to that special time.  Three years before Linda's wedding, I was so honored to have Linda as one of my 5 brides maids.  I wore a very special garnet necklace borrowed from Tess.
   Of all the memories I have, I remember Tommy cared.  I also think he made a special effort to joke with Bill & I after loosing our older brother, Ron in 1961.  Tommy, The Sterbas--my family will always be in my heart and I cherish all the memories.  I think my brother, Bill, feels the same.  Please accept our love and prayers.
Dottie Lou Anderson Bingman & Richard, my daughters, Jane & Sarah, and with my brother, Willis James Anderson

remember when I was young my grandpa when to a lot of my hockey game. He loved to watch me speed up and down the ice and he tape alot of my game. 
He all so got me into star wars.
i love u grandpa.

I began my career with Wilkerson, Guthmann & Johnson in 1974, just as Tommy was returning to work following his heart attack and related surgery so I had the pleasure of working with him for many years. I could make a long list of good things to say about him, both professionally and personally, but can't think of a single negative. His work was absolutely trustworthy and his friendship was a gift. His pride in his family was evident and they should be equally proud of him for his steadfastness, generosity and caring spirit. We've lived near Park Rapids for almost 20 years so our contacts have been limited to Christmas cards and phone calls. How I wish we could go out now for a good, long lunch and conversation. Mary joins me in offering our condolences and best wishes to all his family, as well as our prayers for Tommy, as good a man as one could hope to know.

Stib

News of the passing of Uncle Tommy has been passed around to the following relatives in many states.They would like me to post their names with all their thoughts and prayers to the family. Lois Canfield,Joan Canfield,Buck Bennett,Casey Bennett,Lonnie DuChaine,Karen King,Starr Sims,Staci Peterson

I received my nickname of "pots" from Uncle Tommy when I was just a baby! He was always a great kidder/joker! Many great memories of him and his family as I was growing up.Prayers and loving thoughts to all who knew him.

I remember Christmas at Uncle Tommy's, and eating a kumquat from the indoor tree! I laugh out loud whenever I look at the photo of "Cowboy Tom" sent just a few years ago. 
Our prayers and thoughts are sent to all.

OBITUARY

Thomas M. Sterba, Jr.

16 September, 1924 – 2 September, 2012

Wulff Funeral Home

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