Michael J. Sterbick, Sr.

Obituary Michael J. Sterbick, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2007. Born February 26, 1919 in Graham, Washington he grew up a devout Catholic. With his faith and family he helped build and establish Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma and the University of Washington Law School where he met his life partner Elizabeth. With his wife by his side he began his career in law in a modest apartment in the Lincoln District. During his 58 years of practicing law he served as President of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, President of Fircrest Kiwanis, President of Lincoln Lions, was a member of the Fircrest Golf Club, Elks Club of Tacoma, and Optimist Club. He was on the Board of Directors at Bates Vocational School and spent 20 years on the Tacoma School Board. He received the Washington State Trial Lawyers Award of Merit in 1971. In 1976, he established his own law firm with his brother Peter and good friend Greg Abel. Michael was instrumental in the career of PGA Golfer Ken Still and managed him for many years. His talents extended beyond fighting for the common man and in his free time he developed the Single Tree Estates in Yelm. He also served in the Air Force during World War II. A man of principal, he will be missed for his contributions and conversations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Anton; siblings, John 1, John, Sister Virginia, Helen, George, Jenny, Peter and grandson Michael J. Sterbick III. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Sterbick, sister; Marianne Cemelich, 8 children; Michael Jr. (Dorothy), LouAnne (Dennis), Raymond, John (Maxine), Edward (Sandy), Elizabeth, James (Machell), David (Deborah) and 8 grandchildren; Luciana, Julian, Breanne, Evan, Makayla, Cheyenne, Elizabeth, Christopher and many extended family and friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses of Advanced Health Care for their loving care over the past 2 years, especially Darlene and Mary. They made Dads time comfortable and made him feel safe. A Rosary will be recited Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:15 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment at Calvary Cemetery 11:00 am on Saturday, November 17, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Sterbick III Award Foundation for college scholarships from Curtis Senior High School at Sterling Savings Bank in Fircrest.