Sterling W. Treadwell
Sterling Wood Treadwell, 98, died peacefully with his daughter by his side on November 15, 2018, in Sturgis. It is fitting he should enter heaven on the first day of hunting season, and the day after his beloved wife would have celebrated her 99th birthday.
Sterling was born September 16, 1920 in Olivet, the second son of Leo Ray and Bertha Ophelia (Wood) Treadwell. As a boy, Sterling developed a deep-rooted connection to the family farm and a profound appreciation of nature. He grew up in a three-generation household, a house in which he lived nearly all of his life, rarely leaving. Sterling married Arlouene Marie Furu in 1938, and the two cared for his parents while raising their two children, Rosalie and Lawrence, on the homestead. Throughout the years, Sterling and Arlouene demonstrated to generations of their family the values of hard work, honesty, and love. Together they attended Lee Center United Methodist Church as faithful members, raised a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, enjoyed camping across the United States, and hosted countless family functions on their Centennial farm. They were truly life partners and were married 66 years at the time of Arlouene’s death in 2004.
When he wasn’t listening to Straus Waltzes while plowing the fields with his John Deere, he worked full time in Charlotte at Wertz Implement. As a skilled tractor mechanic, he developed a reputation throughout the county for good service and was eventually elevated to Service Manager. After 25 years at Wertz, he retired in 1974 and dedicated the rest of his time to farming. After his retirement, many farmers sought him out for his mechanical expertise. Sterling enjoyed hunting on the farm and was an avid reader. He had a keenly sharp intellect, maintaining his quick wit and sense-of-humor right to the end.
Sterling is survived by his daughter, Rosalie (Leonard) Eishen of Sturgis; granddaughters, Lori (Joseph) Pray of Charlotte, and Robin (fiancé David Morris) Porter of Royal Oak and Sturgis, respectively; grandsons, Eric (Chandre) Eishen of Bronson, and Chad Treadwell of Claremont, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and two more expected soon; and niece, Gwen (David) Shoff of Lee Lake, Mich.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Arlouene Marie Treadwell; son, Lawrence Lee Treadwell; grandson, Lawrence Lee Treadwell II; and brother, Clifton Treadwell.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 19, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel officiating. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Lee Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lee Center Methodist Church or Thurston Woods in Sturgis, where Sterling received excellent care in his final year.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sterling on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.