Mary Sterkel

Mary Kathryn Sterkel, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2017 surrounded by her family, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Born on January 24, 1949, in Cozad, Nebraska, she was the first born of the late Gerald and Doris Zook. As a young girl, she grew up on the family farm outside of Cozad. Always having a life long passion for teaching and helping others, Mary helped out with different youth activities growing up. Mary graduated from Cozad High in 1967 and continued on with this passion to teach and help children, by pursuing a degree and graduating from Chadron State College with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. Mary took her first teaching position in Batesland, South Dakota. This is where she met her husband Tom Sterkel. The two were married on August 12, 1973. Tom and Mary started their home west of Martin and welcomed three children, Stephanie, Emily, and Cory. Mary taught school for 30+ years. Mary was strong in her faith and was a dedicated member of her church. She touched the lives of many through her work with both the school and church.

Mary always brought her knowledge of different sports to the table - the weekly football pools were something that she spent hours researching in hopes to make the correct picks. We know that Mary will be watching her Denver Broncos every Sunday from the best seat at Mile High Stadium from now on.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; 2 daughters, Stephanie (Brady) and Emily (Darrin), and a son Cory (Brett); siblings Sara (Dave & their children, William, Stephen, & Rebecca) and Ann (Mac & their children, Paul & James); grandchildren, Aaliyah, Joshua, Emersynn, Kaden, Kyriana, Kenadee, Aisea, Liam; along with her in-laws and their families.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 at the Martin Grade School Activity Center.
Donations can be directed to C.H.A.R.T and sent to Bennett County Funeral Service - PO Box 65 Martin, SD 57551.

Previous Events

Cemetery Details