Thomas M. Sternal

Thomas M. Sternal, age 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. He was born in South Bend, on December 4, 1936 to Kurt and Vera; the first of thee sons, he was later joined as brother to Ronald and Michael. Tom graduated from John Adams High School and joined the Army with a group of friends. Tom liked to say when he completed that stay, he gave a right hand, one finger salute as he drove away. Much to his surprise, he still had duty in the National Guard.

He began studies for his degree at Western Michigan University. During this period of time, while in a rush to take someone on a date, he ate a very undercooked pork chop, and landed in St. Joseph Hospital with a severe case of Trichinosis where a young medical assistant drew his blood. One day, she walked into his room and saw him wearing a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. Soon, sparks flew, and Gerry Nowicki took him home to meet her parents. After a year of dating, and late night raids of her parent’s refrigerator, Thomas and Geraldine were married on December 1, 1962.

Tom began a career in insurance and quickly found it was not for him. The couple discussed the possibility of Tom returning to active duty. Due to the war in Vietnam, it was not an easy decision. He began his career as a lieutenant in Korea, where he would like to tell people that there really was a Rosie’s bar across the street from his MASH unit.

After Korea, the couple found his career, taking them to Germany, Italy, where they attended midnight mass, celebrated by the pope. He was then stationed in Texas, where the duo became a trio, and their daughter Sheryl was born. Other posts found them in Indianapolis; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Aurora, Colorado; and at the Presidio in San Francisco. Tom retired as Lieutenant Colonel, and the three began their life in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Although, Tom was of German and Hungarian dissent. He was pure Irish on Saturdays as a season-ticket holder for Notre Dame football. During the spring and summers, the family traveled to every major league baseball park.

It surely can be said that Thomas Michael Sternal had a full, and well lived life.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, October 21, 2024 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne with a Recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 PM.

Contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to Center For Life Transitions, 2324 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805.