Obituary: Sterling J. Dyer

 

Sterling Jay Dyer was born to William Jennings “Jay” & Ruby Kathryn (Green) Dyer on March 23, 1934, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He passed away on December 3, 2022, at the Heritage Crossings Nursing Home in Geneva, Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 11 days. He was one of two children born in the family.

Sterling attended School District 95, which was located on the southeast corner of their farm. He graduated from Exeter Public School with the class of 1951. After graduation, Sterling began working for George Lovegrove farming and following the harvest. Later, he drove livestock trucks. He also helped his dad farm and bought land of his own. Sterling was drafted into the United States Army on May 5, 1954 and was stationed in South Korea, the 11th Field Artillery, as a Radio Repairman. During the last 10 months of his service, he was station below the DMZ looking into North Korea. Sterling was honorably discharged from the Army on April 25, 1956. He then returned home to his passion for farming.

On February 26, 1982, Sterling married Caroline Hiett. Caroline passed away in 1987. Sterling kept busy harvesting with Ernie & Larry Becwar and spending time with family, which was very important to him. Sterling married Sharon Luksik on December 27, 1998. He loved his step-daughters, Amy and Angela, son-in-law Mike, and grandchildren Carter Bell and Abbie & Jacen Osterholt.

Sterling was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Exeter and also the William Sullivan Exeter American Legion Post 218.

Sterling was preceded in death by his parents Jay & Ruby and first wife Caroline.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of Exeter, Nebraska; step-daughters Amy (Mike) Osterholt of Kearney, Nebraska and Angela Bell of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Carter Bell of Omaha, Nebraska and Abbie & Jacen Osterholt of Kearney, Nebraska; sister Shirley Lovegrove of Fairmont, Nebraska; nephews Jim (Paula) Lovegrove of Geneva, Nebraska, John (Patrice) Lovegrove of Fairmont, Nebraska, Bob (Vicki) Lovegrove of Fairmont, Nebraska; and great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Funeral Service for Sterling was held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Exeter. Kim Dunker presided over the Funeral Service. Shirley Milton accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Here I Am Lord” and “Amazing Grace.”

Pallbearers for the Funeral Service included John Lovegrove, Bob Lovegrove, Justin Lovegrove, Brandon Lovegrove, John Finkner, and John Becker. Honorary Pallbearers included Jim Lovegrove, Carter Bell, Mike Osterholt, Jacen Osterholt, and George Erdkamp.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held in the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Military Honors were performed by the William Sullivan Exeter American Legion Post 218.