Clarence Sturm

Clarence Sturm, formerly of Wausau, died peacefully at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee on June 2, 2015 at the age of 97. For the past 8 years Clarence lived with his son Richard and daughter-in-law Faye in Franklin, Tennessee.

Clarence is survived by two sons, Richard (Faye) Sturm of Franklin, Tennessee, and Michael (Jody) Sturm of Clayton, North Carolina. Clarence is also survived by four grandchildren, Todd Sturm (J. Dutton Smith), Brisbane, Australia; Tiffany (Michael) May, Franklin, Tennessee; Tracy (Scott) Koschka, Holly Springs, North Carolina; and Josh Sturm, Stevens Point; four great-grandchildren, Micayla May, Isaac May, Avery Burch, and Ty Koschka, one sister-in-law Vangie Ohrmundt and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline, a special friend Verna George, and three older brothers, Wesley, Raymond, and Marcus.

Clarence was born on November 10, 1917 to Albert and Anna Ella Luedtke Sturm in the Town of Maine, Wisconsin. On May 4, 1940 Clarence married Evangeline Ohrmundt at St. John's Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine. Evangeline passed away May 24, 1990 after 50 years of marriage.

Clarence loved telling the story of how he had to back up a tractor trailer to a dock without hitting it in order to get his first job. He always had a strong work ethic and after the trucking company went out of business Clarence used his talents to build houses. In 1961 Clarence built and opened Maine Super Market, a grocery store which included two gas pumps. Later on a hardware store was added and was then called Maine Family Center. The store burned in the 1970's and Clarence and Evangeline retired in Florida. Clarence was a charter member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Town of Maine Lions Club.

Having that strong work ethic Clarence started working for Mark Bennett Builders in Bradenton, Florida overseeing home construction. After retiring from the construction business, he again shared his knowledge of plumbing and worked part time at Wyman Plumbing, finally retiring completely at the age of 80. Clarence's greatest joy was his family, always loving it when everyone was together. One of his favorite pastimes was playing rummy with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, with visitation two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in the Town of Maine after the service. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.