Gay Sterry Obituary
Gay Sterry (Hesse) Born to Eternal Life on April 7th, 2025 at the age of 92 years old. Beloved wife for 50 years to the late Milton Sterry. Gay leaves behind a family and friends that will always treasure her memory. Loving mother of Scott (Rosemarie) Sterry, Timothy (Connie) Sterry, Brett Sterry and Beth Shoop. Proud grandmother of Tess, Tim, Tiffany, Tony, Nick, Danielle, Kayla, Jessica and Jennifer; 10 great grandchildren Paris, Kelsey, Maddie, Bruce, Rashad, Rocco, Abel, Louie, Maesie, Sydney and 1 great-great grandchild Jade. Dear sister of Dawn, Neil and Joy. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers Dave and Skip. Best friend for 75 years to Bev Wenzel. She will be dearly missed by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Gay spent her early years in Mindoro. She had fond memories with her dad making Sunday morning breakfasts, teaching her to tell time in his janitor's office, playing ball, squirrel hunting, fishing, and working in the garden. She also remembers the unforgettable Easter morning where they accidentally melted the Easter baskets hidden in the stove—one of her favorite holiday memories, as her dad always made Easter special.
Growing up, she enjoyed playing paper dolls with her sister Dawn and looking after her younger siblings. She also cherished her time spent at her Aunt Hattie's farm, picking eggs, riding the tractor, and enjoying the company of her cousins. Some of her most cherished possessions were a pair of ice skates gifted to her by a couple who took a special interest in her, even though they had no children of their own. She also adored her dog, Jo-Jo, and treasured the books her father gave her throughout her life. As a lover of reading, School was one of her greatest joys, although she candidly admitted to a bit of a temper at times. Despite receiving a few punishments from her teachers, she always held no grudges, believing that the discipline was fair and necessary.
At 18, her family moved to a new house on 124th, across from Greenfield Park, where she would begin a new chapter of her life.
Her love for family and friends was evident in the lifelong connections she made, including the deep bond she shared with her close friends Bev, Janet, Myrna, and Joanie. Their friendship spanned decades, with Bev remaining a constant companion for 75 years.
One of the most memorable and harrowing experiences Bev and Gay shared was during a vacation to South Dakota. Along the way they battled many obstacles; including ticks at a cheap motel, almost losing their license plate in heavy rain, and they thought their fuel pump was shot but it was just a dirty spark plug. They met kind folks along the way though that helped them out and were so kind. Bev remembers the dire moments that they rowed across the lake together and were caught up in a storm halfway to the other side. In later years, neither could remember when they were more frantic in prayer. Alas, they both made it back home safe and sound.
Gay met her husband, Milton "Bud," while working at Reuter's Dairy Store. Their story began with a memorable meeting when she accidentally slammed the door on his nose, not realizing he was Susie's son at the time. Their marriage led to a life filled with love, adventure, and family. Together, they raised four wonderful children on a farm in Modena, where some of Gay's happiest memories were made. Though they had little money, they had plenty of good food, space for the children to play, and a warm, welcoming home, some of which Bud designed, and Pops built. Winters were filled with card parties with the neighbors, some of which included 28 people!
After moving to Menomonee Falls in 1968, Gay continued to plant roots, both literally and figuratively, by planting trees, bushes, and flowers for each of her children and grandchildren. Her love for cooking was evident in the many family meals she prepared, from her famous bread pudding and baked apples to her hearty roasts, pork chops, and fried chicken. She would often make cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate for her children on cold days after school, a gesture that will always be remembered with love.
A true lover of the outdoors, Gay had a huge garden on the farm as well as a smaller one in the Falls, where she grew vegetables and flowers, particularly tomatoes, roses, lavender, and sweet peas. She also loved to weed, trim, and mow the lawn, often sharing her joy in nature with her family. She took pride in her garden and yard. Just like her home, she kept it neat, tidy, and welcoming.
Throughout her life, Gay was proud of the many achievements she had, from raising four wonderful children to working as a Teacher's Aid for 28 years, where she especially loved working with young children. She enjoyed her time with Shad Boldt & Boyd as well and recalled close friendships and outings with her co-workers there. Who could forget her time with Kohls as she spent 10 years working there as well. She also taught Sunday School, volunteered for her kids with cub scouts and girl scouts, advocated for a stop sign on her street, and was known for her kindness, integrity, stubbornness, and sense of humor. No one could tell you that she didn't work hard.
Gay was a lifelong Milwaukee Brewers fans, even had season tickets for a while with Bud when they were the Braves, she never missed a game – though she was never shy about voicing her opinions when the team wasn't playing their best. When baseball wasn't on, she would be just as spirited watching the Packers and the Bucks play as well. She also had a soft spot for her favorite games shows, which brought her joy and plenty of opportunities to shout out the answers before the contestants.
She found joy in the simple, peaceful moments too – watching the birds from her window or from a chair on the sunny patio. She always made sure the birds were well fed and of course the mischievous squirrels as well. She loved watching God's creatures in her backyard.
As a grandmother, Gay was a constant presence, helping with schoolwork, teaching sewing, and cooking, and always finding time for games, walks to the park, and visits to the library. She would love to support them as well by showing up to their school concerts, plays, and loved documenting all their achievements. She boasted about them in her weekly emails to her sister Joy as well as to her friends. Her grandchildren lovingly called her "Wah-Wah" as toddlers, then Grandma, and most recently GiGi.
Nothing lit up her face more than her great grandbabies. They brought her immeasurable joy and were a constant source of pride and laughter in her later years. She never missed an opportunity to snuggle, read, play with them, or share her drink with them. Her drink was always better than theirs. They will carry forward her legacy of love, wisdom, and warmth.
Although her presence will forever be missed, her family has a lifetime of memories to hold onto. She made special keepsakes each year for her kids and grandkids by cross-stitching ornaments for them each year and they were specific to events or special moments that happened to each individual she made them for. These are treasured gifts that will be a continued reminder of the love and meaningful connection she had to all those near and dear to her heart.
Her famous words were always simple but profound: "A place for everything, and everything in its place.". She often reminded us not to speak unkind words, not to lie, and to follow the golden rule. Most importantly, she wanted all of us to have a good life, to be happy, to surround ourselves with good friends, to always cherish family, and remember that Jesus is your friend Always!
Her family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, W156 N8131 Pilgrim Road in Menomonee Falls on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. Visitation from 10AM until time of the Memorial Service at 11AM. Followed by a luncheon after the service. In lieu of flowers, Gay requested that donations be made Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls Public Library, or charity of choice, in her memory. Her grandkids also thought of a sweet gesture and ask that if interested, if they would please donate bird seed to help us continue Grandma's daily activity of feeding her birds, a small joy that meant so much to her.
We will remember her as a woman who loved deeply, cared for everyone she met, and lived a life full of grace, warmth, and love. Rest in peace, Gay. We love you, and we will carry your lessons and your love.
