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George Sterk Obituary
Born and raised in Janesville, WI to Bernice & George Sterk along with 3 brothers. Renegade George at the age of 18 roared away on his motorcycle heading for New York City and an adventurous life, joining the Marines and serving in the Korean War. George met his first wife Barbara. He spent many years as a door-to-door salesman for Fuller Brush Co. in Boise, ID and Las Vegas, NV.
In 1972 he moved to Durango, CO where he made a blind purchase of the local Coast to Coast hardware store. It was a long run of 33 years, at one point adopting Maggie the cat who also had a long run sleeping in the storefront window on a bed of nails.
In 1985 he met Autumn Cameron at a potluck leading to another long run of 40 years. They embarked on a 15-year career as partners, selling owner builder homes, putting over 200 homes on the ground in a 5-county area. Upon retirement George became master gardener. He excelled as Garlic King of Durango. Always, utmost was healthy eating which led to gourmet cooking for his fortunate wife Autumn.
In his time he was an avid traveler, a pilot, sailor, windsurfer, skier, hiker, kayaker, and studied guitar but was too shy to sing. Pickleball was an addition in his 80s and 90s.
He is survived by his wife Autumn Sterk, brother Leo Sterk, Son Mark (Nicolette), daughter Leslie (Will), stepson Scott Frazer (Katie James), and 8 eclectic grandchildren.
Ask George how he was? His answer was always, "I'm Perfect," and perfect he was.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Sterk
Bill Sterk
April 7, 2025
I contacted George a few years ago. He was my cousin from Janesville who I never knew because he was much older than me. We went fishing together with my cousin Mike in Colorado and visited him and Autumn a few times in Durango. We always enjoyed spending time with him. I inherited an old picture from my dad with a young boy and others on it. I did not know what it was but George told me my dad Peter took our grandmother Mary, cousin George, my cousin Mary Agnes, and aunt Mary to Calumet, Michigan when George was a young boy so I concluded that picture was them at our aunt's, Anna Sterk's unmarked gravesite in Calumet who had died when she was only a year old. I wanted to preserve that picture of them so I purchased a gravestone for Anna and added another stone with that picture of them at the gravesite in what I concluded must have been 1941. Never would have known all that without George having told me about their trip. It was a real pleasure to know George at last. We will really miss him. See the attached pictures. Bill Sterk
Julie Itter (fka: Vayre)
April 1, 2025
Very sorry to hear of George´s passing. He & Autumn were some of our 1st friends when we moved to Durango in `92.
Always smiling, happy & cheerful. He enjoyed a wonderful life. Hugs & Love Autumn.
Jim Sumrall
March 28, 2025
My world travel buddy... I miss you more than I can say...
Leslie
March 27, 2025
George with Pickle
Ilze Aviks and John Mahoney
March 27, 2025
Dear Autumn and family,
Dear Autumn and family,
So sorry for your loss. Worked next door to Cost to Coast at The Bookshop and got to know George and his crew well. George was unfailingly positive and energetic. John and I will remember him with much fondness.
Leslie
March 27, 2025
I send my deepest condolences to my friend,Autumn, George´s family, and all who knew him. George was my first "boss" in Durango when I arrived 33years ago. He was parter at Coast to Coast at 950 main. We were in touch throughout the years, and I had the great fortune to stay with him this summer while Autumn had appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. He called me his babysitter from then on. My "boss" always. RIP George
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