Donald W. Sterchi, Sr., 94, of Mendota, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Father Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, LaSalle. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.

Don was born March 21, 1929 in Mendota to William and Lucille (Buck) Sterchi on March 21, 1929. He married his sweetheart Mary Sitar on September 24, 1955 at Holy Family Church, Oglesby celebrating 67 years of marriage.

Don was a 1947 graduate of Mendota High School where he enjoyed being on the football team and participating in plays. After graduation he attended Rockford Business College and then along with friends traveled west to California being employed in the logging industry. He then returned to Mendota being employed for 40 years at Wayside Press and then Donnelly's in Mendota. In his earlier years he enjoyed the sport of bowling with his team of Bill's Chatterbox. Every spring for as long he was able he planted a beautiful, bountiful vegetable garden with all of his four children being involved with planting, weeding and picking the veggies from the garden. He enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Don was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Don is survived by his wife Mary; his daughters Dawn Ann Bauer of LaMoille and Lisa (Tim Engels) Avery of Mendota; his sons Steven (Ruth Ann) Sterchi and Donald "Sonny" (Karen) Sterchi, Jr. both of Mendota; four grandchildren Matthew (Mandi) Bauer of Mendota, Jonathan (Lauren) Bauer of Yorkville, Scott (Jeni) Sterchi of Serena and Emily (Eric) Korsan of Oglesby; three step grandchildren Danny (Tania) Walzer, Andy Walzer and Brian Walzer; great grandchildren Landon, Paxton, Gabrielle, Madilyn, Olivia, Allie, Sydnee, Shelby, Jack, Leona and Sloane; step great grandchildren Collin, Chloe, Carson, Ella, Anna and Reid Walzer and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister in law Keith (Donna) Sterchi ,his dear son in law Rick Bauer, dear nieces Renee Barzititus, Dr. Kathleen Senica Farris and Peggy Schultz, sisters and brothers in law Dorothy and John Senica, Sr., Betty and Sam Torchia and Donna Kain and step grandson Tim Walzer.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Church or Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.