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1921 Alvin 2008

Alvin Sterken

January 14, 1921 — April 4, 2008

STERKEN, Alvin
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Alvin passed away Friday afternoon, April 4, 2008 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born January 14, 1921 in New Groningen, MI, the son of the late Henry and Anna VanDyke Sterken. Al was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1942-1945 during World War II. After the service, he attended Ferris Institute now Ferris State University and graduated from the Pharmacy Program in 1949. In 1950, Al opened Central Pharmacy at 819 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo, which he owned and operated until closing in 1990. In his retirement, Al loved the outdoors and enjoyed golfing. On December 27, 1946, he was united in marriage to Pearl Raterink, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Tom Sandy Sterken of Kirkland, WA, Rick Lena Sterken of Janesville, WI, and Mary Paul Winn of Lawton; 4 grandchildren, Sara Ryan Kinter, and Jeff, Brandon, and Brooke Sterken; 2 brothers, James Lee Sterken, and Nelson Sterken; 1 sister, Esther Lee DeVries; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; and 3 brothers, Art, Lee and Ben Sterken. Funeral services for Alvin will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday at Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave. with Rev. William Buursma officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Monday tomorrow at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., and 1-2 PM on Tuesday at the church. Private interment will be on Wednesday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Third Christian Reformed Church or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
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