Peggy Joanna Sterk

Peggy Joanna Sterk, age 60, of DeMotte, IN, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2015 at the St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point, IN. Joanna was born on October 29, 1955, the daughter of John Jessee and Rooney (Estes) Gaudet. Joanna graduated from Doss High School in Louisville, KY class of 1973 and attended the Hyles Anderson College in Crown Point, IN. On August 17, 1974, in Louisville, KY, Joanna married Henry Sterk and he survives. Joanna had worked as a cataloger for Baker & Taylor in Momence, IL since 2003. She was a member of the Burr Oak Mennonite Church in Rensselaer, IN. Joanna enjoyed spending time with her family, children and grandchildren. She loved books. Above all, she loved Jesus. Joanna leaves behind her husband Henry; children, Julie (Ronald) DeYoung, Morocco, IN, Joni (Derek) Light, Elkhart, IN, Henry JR (Traci) Sterk, Cedar Lake, IN, Holly (Jeremy) Cooper, Roselawn, IN, Carrie (Nick) Woodring, Greenwood, IN, Jessica Sterk, Crown Point, IN and Richard (Megan) Sterk, DeMotte, IN. Her father John (Barbara) Jessee, Louisville, KY, brothers and sisters, Charles Jessee and Penny (Steve) Polston both of Louisville, KY, John (Sara) Jessee, JR, Charlestown, IN, Lisa Gaudet, Jacksonville, FL, Gayle (John) Fenton, New Haven, KY and Sharron (Bobby) Neuling, Louisville, KY; sisters-in-law Carolyn (Mark) Paulson, Crown Point, IN and Gwendolyn (Fred) S, Munster, IN; mother in law Carol Sterk, Lansing, IL; 13 grandchildren, Drake, Andrew, Gabby, Nathaniel, Lizzie, Owen, R. J., Bradley, Bekah, Lincoln, Hope, Joseph and Ruth; and a grand-dog, Thaddeus; a special niece which she loved as a daughter Annalisa (Mark) Sangiacomo, Elgin, IL and many nieces and nephews. Joanna was preceded in death by her Mother, Rooney Gaudet . Friends may call on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Jackson Funeral Service, DeMotte, IN. Services will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 12:00 PM at the Burr Oak Mennonite Church in Rensselaer, IN with Pastor Philip Leichty officiating. Friends may also call at the Church from 10 AM- 12 PM on the day of service . Interment will be held at the Burr Oak Cemetery, Rensselaer, IN. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mountain Prayer Chapel in Branson, MO, or to the Gideon’s International.

Peggy Joanna Sterk

October 29, 1955 - December 24, 2015