Elmer L. Sterchi, 94, of Olney, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Brookstone Estates.

Elmer was born February 6, 1930 in Preston Township, Illinois, the son of Robert and Jessie (Scherer) Sterchi. He married Hazel "Ande" (Bowles) Cazel on November 29, 1974 in Olney, Illinois, and she survives.

Elmer owned and operated Elmer Sterchi Floor and Tile since the 1950's. Over the years he belonged to many community organizations; he was a member of the Masonic Lodge 140, Olney Kiwanis Club, Elks 926, Eagles Lodge, and Oddfellows 180. In 2000, he was honored as the Olney Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. Elmer was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee and taught Sunday School. He was currently a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church. He served in the US Naval Reserves from 1945-1954. Elmer enjoyed working with his hands, making cabinets and anything out of wood. He also took pleasure in gardening. Elmer loved being around his family and he will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Ande Sterchi of Olney; son, Kevin E. Sterchi of Gardner, KS; son-in-law, Ric Novak of Shawnee, KS; step-daughters (daughters of the heart), Esther (Jack) Lee of Houston, TX, and Sherri Brazil (Phillip Novak) of Olney; grandchildren, Shannon (Lachlan) McCarthy, Erin (Dr. Ryan) Lustig, Melinda (Brock) Nedland, Dr. Melissa (Russell) Richard, The Reverend Esther (Benjamin) Lay, Matthew Brazil, and Elliot (Samantha) Brazil; great grandchildren, Conner, Logan, and Braden McCarthy, Ella, Ryder and Jemma Lustig, Arthur and Edwin Richard, Louis and Henry Nedland, Beatrice and Theodore Cicic-Brazil, and Katherine Brazil; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Terri Novak; and siblings, Robert, Dale and Carl Sterchi and Lula Williamson.

A funeral service will be held for Elmer at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation beginning one hour before service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Maple Dale Cemetery in Olney.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church in Olney.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL