Douglas Kent Sterkel

Douglas Kent Sterkel
February 18, 1952 - May 20, 2025

With heavy hearts and endless love, we announce that Douglas Kent Sterkel-husband, father, papo, son, brother, fixer of all things, pool shark, and beloved human Swiss Army knife-passed away on May 20, 2025, in Rockport-Fulton, Texas, with the love of his life, Cynthia Sterkel, holding his hand.

Born on February 18, 1952, to Irene and Robert Sterkel, Doug spent most of his life in the Fort Collins, Colorado area, where he lived and worked until his retirement. He delivered bread for 31 years and retired from Sara Lee in 2005, closing out a long and steady career of hard work and early mornings.

Doug was easygoing, kind, and dependable. He didn't collect enemies, only people who felt better after being around him. One of the ways you always knew Doug was coming was his signature whistle-he whistled when he entered a room.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Sterkel; his mother, Irene Sterkel; his brother, Timothy Sterkel (Glena); and his sister, April Bauman (John). He is also survived by their six children: Julia Buckner (Joe), Daniel Garcia (Alishia), Michael Sterkel, Nathan Garcia, Lacy Osborn (Toby), and Brandon Sterkel (Jami); his grandchildren: Robert, DJ (Morgan), Ryder, Emmery, Shyla, Sawyer, Daryan, Braylon, and Taeko; and great-grandchildren: Tristan, Kellen, Dashal, Grayson, and Fenix.

Doug leaves behind a legacy that isn't measured in trophies or titles, but in the way we all smile like he did, fix things like he did, and love people like he did. We carry pieces of him in our laughs, our loyalty, our humor, our work ethic, and a job well done.

We will miss him more than words can ever say, but we know he's probably up there somewhere, lining up a perfect shot, whistling a tune, and smiling because he knows we'll be okay... he made sure of it.

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