Wesley Sam Sterner

Wesley S. Sterner, 86, of La Junta, passed away on June 22, 2018 at the Bent County Memorial Nursing Home. He was born to Harold & Lola Jewel (Coats) Sterner on May 23, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa.

Wesley-isms (to be recognized by many!):

“No hill for a climber.”
“Put a little tough-skin on it, don’t baby it!...Where’s your heart?”
“Better than what the bird left on the pump handle.”
“I gotta do everything?”

Wesley “Bud” Sam Sterner was born in Iowa and stayed true to the wrestling tradition there as a two time state champion wrestler in his high school days, a gargantuan feat when there were no divisions based on school population (for example 2A, 3A etc). He spent a fair amount of his childhood years in Missouri riding horses and playing with cousins in the backwoods and creeks. After losing his biological father, his mother married Arthur Miller, who was a loving father. Wes married Marilyn Russell in 1955 and they had three children together. Wes was very talented and had an eclectic array of abilities and experiences, to include being a reservist in the Navy, a teacher of fine and language arts, a driver’s ed instructor, an actor on the Picketwire stage, and a rodeo and sports announcer. Golfing was a passionate hobby. He played banjo and sang on tour with a folk trio called The Professors. He was an enthusiast dance and judo instructor. Many years were spent toting his kids to Little Britches rodeos, Mill-Iron Wranglers practices and events, motocross races, swimming and track meets, and he loved attending theatrical productions and band concerts. He was an involved, attentive and loving father, and easily gave his affections to his grandkids and great-grandkids as well. His quick wit served him well in his performances, and brightened the day of any in his presence. Wes later married Lorna Miller, his wife of 31 years. In Lorna’s words, “He promised me 10 years, I asked for 20 and after 20 I asked for 10 more. He gave me that plus one.” As a couple they’ve enjoyed raising and racing horses of all kinds and rescuing dogs, which spoke to his love of animals. Self-taught, he loved to draw, producing many beautiful works, and played harmonica and spoons to entertain family and friends. One of the loves of his life was coaching wrestling. He coached many generations of Arkansas Valley youth in wrestling, as well as football, track and baseball. Local Schools where he coached and taught include, Holly, La Junta, Manzanola, Swink and Otero Jr. College. Wes started the local Growler Wrestling Program for the younger grapplers. He was more concerned about imparting excellence in character than he was about winning. Many of the people that grew under his guidance consider him family, and he is beloved by many. Above all, he had heart and passion, and a desire to leave this world a better place.

Wesley is survived by his wife, Lorna of the La Junta home; daughters, Ellen (Bill) Harper of Watkins, CO; Lynne (Wayne) Niston of Firestone, CO; grandchildren, Lauren (Kris) Barrow of Parker, CO; Sara (Patrick) Finney of Denver, CO; Russell Harper of Watkins, CO; Benjamin Niston of Longmont, CO; Caitlyn Niston of Greeley, CO; great-grandchildren, Brady, Carson, Cameron Wesley Barrow and Coraline & June Finney; step-brother, Don Miller of Waterloo, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents step-father, Arthur Miller; son, Eric Sterner; brother, Leslie Sterner; sisters, Delores Sterner and Donna Sterner; half-brother, Dick Miller; grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Sterner and Mr. & Mrs. Wesley B. Coats.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor John Dell of the First Christian Church of Rocky Ford officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer (alexslemonade.org), direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.