Jerry Sterner

SJF Material Handling founder Gerald 'Jerry' Sterner, passed away last week, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Jerry opened the business in 1979 as SJ&F Enterprises and was a very active participant in every facet of the business until his retirement, when he turned the reigns full-time over to his sons.

He was a huge sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was active in many community organisations prior to health problems. He also enjoyed extensive travelling all over the world with his wife Veronica.

Jerry is described by colleagues as an excellent businessman who was generous and highly respected by his employees.

Jerry was born October 23, 1930 in New Germany, MN, to Frank and Anna (Schmidt) Sterner, one of six children. He graduated from Waconia High School in 1948. On June 20, 1953, he married Veronica Mallak at St. Adalbert's Catholic Church in Silver Lake, MN. They had five sons, two of whom they lost in infancy.

Jerry's business interests besides SJF included Sterner Lighting and Sterner Industries. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Winsted American Legion, and St. Victoria Catholic Church.

A memorial mass was held on January 15 at St. Victoria Catholic Church and Jerry was laid to rest at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Winsted.