Howard Sterner, 76

Howard Greg Sterner, 76, beloved husband and cherished father, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family May 10, 2024.

Howard was born Sept. 26, 1947, in Boise, Idaho, the youngest son of Bradford and Grace Sterner. He grew up in Boise and attended Borah High School graduating in 1965. He enlisted in the Navy and served one tour of duty in Vietnam. After working for the BLM, he attended Boise Junior College, graduating in 1975 with his associate degree in nursing. 

Being a nurse was one of Howard’s greatest joys. He was deeply passionate about caring for patients and did so with great empathy, compassion and kindness.  He entered nursing at a time when there were very few men in the field. He was a member of the Idaho Nursing Association and American Nursing Association serving on the INA board and as an ANA delegate. A close friend said, “he had a voice in key issues the association was grappling with — the role of men in nursing and the evolution of nursing education.” As a natural teacher, he served as a role model for many and was a deeply respected colleague. 

Howard had great loves in his life. Chief among these were Barbara, his wife; Sara and Jessica, his daughters; and his dogs. He was an avid runner and spent many hours with his boys, Tim, Tom, Gary and Tom pounding the pavement discussing politics, books and the joys of life. He traveled extensively with his family, hiking miles throughout Europe. He loved good music, good books and a good Manhattan.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Daugharty; daughters Sara Sterner (Shawn Shafer) and Jessica Daugharty Sterner; and in-laws Jan Daugharty, Susan Daugharty Fowler (Brad), Stacey Daugharty (Matt Wacker), Amy Hoffmann (Tom), Paul Daugharty, Ann Daugharty and Dianna Sterner; nieces and nephews Jim and Greg Sterner, Brooke and Erin Fowler, Daniel Wacker, Connor Hoffmann, Katherine Daugharty, Emma Mulloy and Jackson Daugharty; and sister Annie Sterner. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Bradford and Grace Sterner, father and mother-in-law Duane and Miriam Daugharty, brother Robert and brother-in-law Duane. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. Williams St., Post Falls, Idaho 83854.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Howard Greg Sterner to the Kootenai Health Foundation. These funds will be used to create a scholarship for student nurses in his name. Donations can be mailed to Kootenai Health Foundation, 2003 Kootenai Health Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, online at www.kootenaihealthfoundation.org or call 208-625-4438.

Please visit Howard’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

"Rivers will run, mountains will rise, I love you more than the stars in the skies."