Irvin Andre Sternberg was born June 3, 1926 in Nevis, Minnesota, one of seven children of Adolph and Gertrude Sternberg. As a youth he moved with the family to Montana where he met his life’s love, Frances Cable. The Depression required that Irv work as a teen to help support the family, rising early each morning to work at Eddy’s Bakery, and then going to school during the day. Irv attended Helena school in railroad cars following the earthquakes of the 1930s. Shortly after attending Helena High, Irv joined the Army, and proudly served in the liberation of Europe. Irvin and Frances married in 1945. He later reenlisted in the Army, later joined the Air Force as an airplane mechanic and subsequently joined the Montana Air National Guard, assigned to Great Falls. Irv logged over 12,000 flight hours in his military career.
The couple moved to Helena and resided there for the rest of his life. He began working at Montana Power in 1953 as an accountant, eventually becoming chief accountant of the Helena Division until his retirement in 1988. Irv was active in the Last Chance Kiwanis, serving as president and treasurer. He received the George E. Snell award as a Kiwanis Fellow, and set a club record for attending the most meetings without a miss. He cooked or sliced onions for the Kiwanis steak booth at the fair for many years. Irvin was a member of the First Lutheran Church from his youth, singing bass in the choir and serving as treasurer and elder. He rarely missed a Friday morning session folding bulletins for the Sunday Services.
Shortly after Christmas in 2013, Irv suffered a stroke from which he did not fully recover. He died February 23, 2014 at Big Sky Care Center.
Irvin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ellen; brothers Adolph (Dates) and Alfred (Al) and a son, David. He is survived by Frances, his loving wife of 68 years; sisters Grace and Lorna; and brother Maynard (Bud); son Douglas (Dianna) of Rexburg, Idaho; daughter, Linda Douglass (Jeff) of Helena; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will serve as his honorary pallbearers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad gave us a strong foundation of Christian Love, honesty and ethics, an appreciation for the rewards of hard work, a love of music, and an ability to recognize the humor in almost any situation. He leaves behind the sad hearts of many family and friends, but we have faith that he will welcome us when it is our turn to begin our adventure in Spirit.
The family is thankful for the loving care provided by St. Peter’s Hospital, Big Sky Care Center, Hospice of St. Peter’s, and Randy Wilke.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:15 a.m. with a memorial service celebrating Irv’s life at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 Broadway Street. A funeral reception will be held in the church fellowship hall immediately following the memorial service. Burial will be at Forestvale Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Irvin’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s C/O St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 E. Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to First Lutheran Church 2231 E. Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10:15 a.m.
Saturday March 1, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 1, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10:15 a.m.
Saturday March 1, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 1, 2014
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Byron Burlingame says
Fran, Doug, Linda & family:
I wish I could be with you at this time but that nasty 4 letter word called work has me in Tampa Florida on Saturday and it is a speaking engagement which I am the only one that can do it. I told my daughter Sarah about this and she recalled how when she was a little girl Uncle Irvin used to play tick tock with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Your nephew & cousin: Byron L. Burlingame 1413 S. Peoria Ct. Aurora Co.
David and Arlene Diehl says
Our prayers are for you and the girls and the grands– hope that all goes well as you celebrate the graduation of your dad and grandpa. Hope that it is a time of happy remembrances and sharing. Cry the tears and lean into the sorrow, but tuck away the memories for a joyful morning.
Carol Eckberg Swanson says
Max and Nola,
I am sorry for the loss of your Grandfather Sternberg. I know you shared some wonderful times with him. I will keep you both, Fran, Doug and Linda in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Carol
Steve and Sylvia Slocum says
Linda and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We pray that your good memories will help heal your sorrow. God Bless all of you.
Brenda Schutz says
Sternberg Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had
the pleasure of working with and for Irv.
He was truly a wonderful man. I am
greatful for the opportunity to have
known him. With Deepest Sympathy,
God Bless all of you.
Savannah says
Irv was a pillar in our church community; I remember seeing him every Sunday from the time I was a small child. When I grew older and occasionally visited “The Folders” on Friday mornings, Irv was always the ringleader, bringing in cheer and jokes to share with the group. He was kind and funny, and I will remember him for that always. A loss to us here on Earth, but definitely a gain in Heaven. Praying for peace for Irv’s family.
Ann Nickel says
Fran,
Thinking of you and sending my prayers for Irv and the family.
Marsha Waddell Perkins says
Sternberg and Douglas families
I am so sorry that the weather and my health kept me from the celebration of Irv’s life. He is a very important part of the years of memories between our two families. Years of family picnics, card parties, camping, fishing, bear stories and flying antics will live on forever as will Irv’s part in those memories. I pray that your sorrow will be tempered by those memories and sustained by your faith that someday you will meet again. I will keep you in my prayers and may God Bless.
Chris Juhl Love says
Sternberg Family, We were all so sorry to read of the passing of your beloved husband/dad/grandfather…. We know that he was welcomed at Heaven’s gate by our parents, Carol and Ernie Juhl. We understand and feel your sorrow and pray you will all feel the loving arms of our Saviour Jesus Christ surrounding you and holding you tight, giving you peace and strength. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The four Juhl girls, Barbara Brown, Sue (Jerry) Nelson, Chris (Vance) Love, and Kathy Ash.