Kaiser "Smiley" Thomas Sterbinsky

Kaiser was born on November 14, 1950, in Charleroi, PA, the son of Kizer and Margaret (Hair) Sterbinsky. He married Pearl Dee Barger on January 23, 1969, in Fort Bragg, NC.

Kaiser graduated from Western High School in Washington, D.C. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and 173rd Airborne Brigade, also known as “The Herd”, during the Vietnam War, where he was promoted to Squad Sgt and later, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic efforts during the Vietnam War. After returning home, Kaiser attended Germana Community College in Fredericksburg, VA, and later went on to be the owner and operator of Kaiser’s Lawn Care, where you could always hear him saying, “Remember, green grass and blue skies.” Kaiser spent many years coaching little league teams and, in more recent times, often referred to these times as some of his most treasured memories. After his retirement, he shifted all of his energy into the veteran’s community. Kaiser was an active member of the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the VFW Post 10302. He was the founding President of Chapter 21-GateWay Chapter of the 173rd Airborne Association. Kaiser was set to be awarded the 2022 Sky Solider of the Year later this month at the annual 173rd Airborne reunion. Over the years, he organized many fundraisers for many organizations including Fisher House in St. Louis, St. Jude, Camp Coco, Home for the Troops, Shriner’s Children Hospital, St. John’s Children Miracle Network, and Pedal for the Cause. Kaiser held coat drives, regularly volunteered, and donated to the local food pantries. He would also host Christmas parties for Veterans in the VA nursing homes, was a tremendous supporter of the Gold Star Families, and his most proud accomplishments included campaigning and organizing for a 173rd Airborne memorial bench located in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL and one located in Jefferson Barracks Military Post, Lemay, Missouri. No obstacle was ever too big for Kaiser to reach. During his younger years, you could often catch him jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. He loved the sport so much, that all 5 of his children jumped too. Kaiser enjoyed golfing, playing pool, fishing, collecting coins, maintaining what is known to be the best yard in the neighborhood, listening to the Cubs win, being with his family, and anything to do with “The Herd”, but, most of all, traveling with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many brothers and sisters in arms.

Kaiser is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Pearl Sterbinsky of Springfield; children, Michelle (Paul) Shaw of Springfield, Kizer (Tammy) Sterbinsky of Pawnee, Melissa (Kevin) Reed of Springfield, Kristopher (Krissa) Sterbinsky of Athens, and Margaret (Tony) Telford of Taylorville; grandchildren, Alyson, Abigail, Austen, Justin, Morgan, Addison, Bailey, Luci, Jolene, Pearldee, Lydia, and Anthony “A.K.”; siblings, Sandra (Gilmer) Moore of Fredericksburg, VA, and Robin Sterbinsky of Springfield; several nieces and nephews; several great-nephews; and his beloved dog, Wrigley.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, Gateway Chapter 21, C/O Nathan Whaley, 17417 Wyman Ridge Drive, Eureka MO 63025.

Airborne-All The Way