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William Thomas Sturman ‘Bill,’ 62

Born into a family of four children, one brother and two sisters. Bill grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bill passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2017, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November. He faced this very difficult circumstance with courage and thoughtfulness.

Bill was born to Charles William “Bill” Sturman and Sara Jane Sturman (Wimer) on Dec. 6, 1954, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base. He spent most of his life living in a place he loved, Coeur d’Alene. Bill was an exceptionally bright student, but his heart was in doing physical work and running big machinery. Instead of going to college after high school, he started his own business, Panhandle Recycling which was one of Coeur d’Alene’s first recycling businesses. Bill also loved sports especially baseball and basketball. He was the hoop shoot champion for the entire city in 1967. He played Little League baseball every year and later on adult slow pitch softball every summer.

After selling his business, he went to work for the county and later for the city of Post Falls starting their curbside recycling program. At the age of 50, Bill started a new career as a route sales representative with Franz bakery. He was delighted with the new challenge and excelled at this job where most of his co-workers were half his age. He as usual put his heart and soul into his work. He made many very good friends at Franz.

During his illness, Bill’s brother-in-law Pat along with Eric Sorensen and Jack Harmon, and other fellow workers were there for Bill to help with all his needs. They came by to help him out, take him to the doctors and make sure he was OK. Eric Sorensen even arranged for Bill to attend a Gonzaga basketball game, his favorite team. They also came by to see Bill in his final hours before he passed away at Hospice House.

Bill is survived by his mother, Sara Wimer; sister Patti Adams; brother-in-law Pat Adams; brother Charlie Sturman; and his niece, Amy Adams and great-nephew Carson Watson. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Paula Kukus and father Bill Sturman.

As per Bill’s request, there will be no service. Yates Funeral Homes was entrusted with the care of final arrangements.