July 18, 1937 ~ December 2, 2012
Harold Dean Sturm was born July 18, 1937 in Caldwell to Jesse Harry and Edith (Cunningham) Sturm. He had an ideal childhood growing up on the banks of the Chikaskia River in Drury. He attended school in Drury through the 8th grade and then came into Caldwell to High School graduating with the Class Of 1955.
Following graduation, he did oil field and aircraft work and then came back to Caldwell to work for Wirtz Construction. In 1960 he was drafted into the army where he spent 18 months in Korea patrolling the DMZ between North Korea and South Korea. After returning to the States he went back to work for Al Wirtz.
On May 26, 1963 he married Karen Fast at the Caldwell United Methodist Church. To this union were born two sons, Russell Dean and Ryan Dale. After the death of Al Wirtz in 1966 he went into full time farming.
Harold was a board member of many organizations including the Corzine Cemetery, Border Queen Museum, Caldwell Historical Society, Cherokee Strip Centennial Committee, CHS Alumni Board, Farmers Coop and a 50 year member of Sumner Lodge #203.
Because of their dad the Sturm boys had go-carts, motorcycles, 4 wheelers and learned to drive tractors, trucks, and all forms of farm equipment. They water skiied, snow skiied, camped, golfed and he turned them on to Dallas Cowboy football.
After raising two sons he reveled in spoiling his four granddaughters. Instead of playing with cars and trucks, he’d be on the floor with dolls and books. They were his special girls and he was their special “Papa”.
Harold Sturm died Sunday, December 2, 2012 at the Sumner County District #1 Hospital, Caldwell, Kansas. He was 75 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister June Korbel. He is survived by his wife Karen of the home, sons, Russell and his wife Tonia Sturm of Valley Center, KS, Ryan and his wife Jennifer Sturm of Caldwell, Kansas; granddaughters Chelsi, RyAnn, Emma and Jenna, nephews Mike Williamson, Steve and Tracy Korbel and niece Becky Lacey other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 6, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Caldwell, Kansas.
Interment will be in the Corzine Cemetery, Corbin, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in Harold's name to the Caldwell High School Alumni Association or to the Caldwell Historical Society.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Dave and Peggy Ginn
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. May God give you peace and love in the coming days.
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Cindy Broden Landry and Doris Broden
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Karen and your family. May the peace of God and your wonderful memories of Harold sustain you during the days ahead. Love, Cindy and Dorie
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Bob and Cyndy Mackey
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
So sorry to hear about Harold. He was one of the first Fast family members I met. I will never forget. He will be missed, but thought of very fondly. May the Lord wrap His arms around you and comfort you during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cyndy
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Mike and Susie Reager
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to all of your family.
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Joe and Johnette Martin
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
Karen, our prayers are for you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you.
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Norman and JoAn Metcalf
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
We are so sorry to hear of your Family's loss. We considered Harold a very good friend of ours.
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RON AND MARY WATERS;
Family and Friends - 12/03/2012
KAREN, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.
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Della Shafer
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
Deepest sympathy, Karen, to you and your family.
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Denny & Glynda Young
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
Karen.
My, how we wish we could be with you, family, & friends as you share a lifetime of memories, laughter, & tears. We know it has a been long good bye and the sorrow began months ago. God will hold your hands tight & keep you close in his comforting arms.
Your Loving Friends, Denny & Glynda
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Doug and Julie (Turek) Wolf
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Harold was a wonderful man that always had a smile for everyone. Cherish the wonderful memories you have and know how very proud he was of his entire family. Our prayers are with you.
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Lottie Farr
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
Karen.....oh how my heart aches...there will never be another "Harry"....you have always been so generous to let Harry belong to the girls from the Class of 55 every time we gathered in Caldwell....he was just "our guy"... we knew he belonged to you but you never acted like it wasn't just the natural thing to do for him to be with us....and we did love him....Homecoming wll never be the same....but oh my, do we have the memories....Lottie, Sondra, Norma, Virginia, Nonie, Kay and Beverly
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Erica Ender
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God keep you close and provide you comfort.
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Kyane
Family and Friends - 12/04/2012
Thinking of your family. Hugs to you all.
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O.V. Williams
Family and Friends - 12/05/2012
As much as I hate to agree with Lottie, returning to Caldwell will not be the same without Harry. He was a great guy and will be missed.
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Paul and Krysti Kern
Family and Friends - 12/05/2012
So sorry for your loss...Prayers to the family
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Nonie England
Family and Friends - 12/05/2012
One of the best in the Class of 55!
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Bill and Marge Weedin
Family and Friends - 12/06/2012
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. It was always a pleasure to visit with Harold on our
trips to Caldwell and we will miss him. May your many loving memories of him carry you
through this sad time.
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Larry and Elaine (Evans) Clark
Family and Friends - 12/06/2012
Karen, we were so sorry to read of Harold's death. He will be missed. I didn't know that on the day you were busy getting married in Caldwell on May 26, 1963, Larry and I were getting married at the Corbin church.
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Gayla Oathout
Family and Friends - 12/07/2012
What a great guy! Prayers to you all for your loss.
My dad has many fun stories of Harold, Norman, and Uncle Larry living together when they were in high school. Can you imagine!?! His presence will be missed by many, and his memory will be carried on by many.
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Leonard & Linda Lockwood
Family and Friends - 12/07/2012
Karen--So sorry to read about the passing of Harold. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
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John T. and Dixie Lee
Family and Friends - 12/31/2012
Dixie and I are saddened to hear of the death of Harold. At this time, remember the words of those beautiful songs you and Norma sing. Karen you are in our prayers.
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Don and Colleen Balaban
Family and Friends - 01/01/2013
Karen, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
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