William (Bill) Sterbenk, a longtime resident of Lakeport, California, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2020, at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. He was 89 years old.
Bill was born on May 7, 1931, in Oakland, California, to Frank and Edna Sterbenk.
At the age of 12, Bill moved to Lake County where he graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1949.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War on the Bon Homme Richard as an Aviation Ordnanceman in Fighter Squad 74. He received the Korean Service, U.S. Service, and Good Conduct medals.
After completing his military service, Bill returned to Lake County and settled in Lakeport where he worked for PG&E from 1953 to 1993.
He served as the chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee and was appointed as director of the Lake County Fair Board by Gov. Ronald Reagan.
Bill was a member of the California Republican State Central Committee and Chairman Association, the VFW, Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department and the Konocti Rod and Gun Club.
Bill received his pilot’s license from Lampson Field Airport in Lakeport. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling.
Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Valerie (Risi) Sterbenk of Cedar City, Utah; children, Melodee Reese, Mark (Lori) Sterbenk, Andrea Saunders and Erica Saunders (Kyle) Laws; and sister, Cheryl Newsom.
Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeremy Reese, Rachael (Brandon) Burgan, Alicia (Leo) Nunez, Kyle Sterbenk, John Polhamus, Nick Seils, Natalie Seils, Morgan Wiener, Mikayla (Sam) Moses, Zachary Wiener, Nathan Wiener, Samantha Wiener and Risi Laws; and six great-grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Hage, and son-in-law, Jim Reese.
Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Wounded Warriors or a charity of choice.
Graveside memorial service with military funeral honors will be held at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport on May 8, 2021, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
