John Francis Sternaman

John Francis Sternaman

John Francis Sternaman, age 76 of Owosso passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at the Shiawassee County Hospice House.

John was born on February 1, 1943 to Walter L. and Anna R. (McMullen) Sternaman in Owosso, MI. He grew up in the Owosso area and attended Corunna High School, graduating with the class of 1962. John served his country proudly in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 where most of his service time was spent in Greenland. On May 10, 1969, John married Ellen Kay Loynes at St. Paul Catholic Church in Owosso and remained an active member of St. Paul Church until recent years when his health began to fade. John loved woodworking, bowling, coaching little league baseball, and spending time at the Crystal Lake cottage with family whenever possible. He was also involved with Indian Guides with his sons and little league basketball through the YMCA. He was very involved with his sons when they were growing up; coaching, watching them play sports, and camping with them. He was a husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, coach, and friend who was loved by so many and impacted lives throughout the Owosso area. He retired from General Motors/Buick division in 1996 after 34 years where he worked as a plant metallurgist and was a member of UAW 599. In later years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and loving them. He sacrificed so much for his family and although they will miss him greatly, they know they will see him again on streets of gold some day.

John is survived by his wife, Ellen; sons, John R., Brian (Heather) and Jeff (Renee) Sternaman; grandchildren, Grace, Anna, Nathan, Joshua, Isaiah, and Landon; sister-in-law, Barbara Sternaman and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, grandchildren, Evan and Nicholas Sternaman; siblings, Walter, Margie, Richard, Thomas and a baby sister.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jennings-Lyons Chapel-Watkins Chapel at 520 W. Main Street in Owosso with Chaplain Ray Strawser officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 4 to 6 p.m. Burial will be at Fairfield Cemetery on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's memory may be made to the Shiawassee County Hospice House. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Watkins Funeral Home and Maier Family Funeral Home. www.maierfuneralhome.com