Obituary of Todd C. Sterr
Todd C. Sterr, fifty-nine years young, passed away unexpectedly at home in Shorewood on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Todd was born on November 26, 1963, in Joliet to the late Jeremiah and his wife Patricia Sterr.
Todd is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Ann (nee McFadden) Sterr; his favorite sister, Kelly (Timothy) Ruettiger, his dear brothers, Jeff (Julie) Sterr, Patrick Sterr, and Craig (Deborah) Sterr; his trusted confidant and sister-in-law Rita Sterr; his much-loved nieces and nephews, Patrick Sterr, Jamie (Sean) Hopkins, Jessica (Matt) Dillingham, Scott Stachulak, John (Kristina) Churchwell, Kaitlyn Sterr, Jennifer (Ryan) Swedko, Billy (Alison) Spindler, Michael (Melissa) Jurek, Tiffany Jurek, Kevin (Nichole) Jurek, Keith (Caryn) Jurek, Nicole Sterr, Shannon Sterr, Daniel Ruettiger, Jacob Ruettiger, Maggie (Kyle) Dooley, Jeremiah “Jeremy” Sterr, and Kylie Sterr; and so many dear friends
He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Jeremiah “Jerry” Patrick Sterr; his partner in crime and brother, Sean Sterr; and his cherished nephew, Michael Sterr.
Todd was a graduate of Joliet West High School. He then attended Clemson, LSU and Eastern Illinois University where he continued his wrestling career. Todd started wrestling at the Boys’ Club, and placed first in the Pan Am Games when he was just eight years old. Todd was a three-time State finalist and State Champion in 1981 for Joliet West and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler by the IWCOA in 1981. He went on to win the National Champion Freestyle All American as well. Todd was named Atlanta Coast Conference Most Valuable Wrestler at Clemson, and he finished his outstanding wrestling career at LSU and EIU. Todd was known for being an amazing “technician” on the mat. Throughout his life, he gave back to the sport he loved, and mentored hundreds of youth wrestlers across many different programs.
In addition to his athletic talent, Todd had an unforgettable “always ready for a party” personality. Captain Todd also loved life on the water. He especially cherished his parents’ annual anniversary sunset cruise—a family tradition that was started thanks to him.
Along with his zest for life, Todd truly had the gentlest heart. No one valued true long-lasting friendships more than he did. He loved all his nieces and nephews as if they were his own—he was always reliably fun-loving Uncle Todd.
Like his brother Sean, you could often find Todd in the backyard, in front of a blazing fire—blasting tunes from his favorite band Sublime, or (incorrectly) singing the lyrics to pop songs that spanned many decades. Todd always wanted anyone who was near to sing along. Everyone knew him by his unmistakable laugh, and anyone who was close to him could, of course lovingly, imitate it.
None of us will forget his fun-loving spirit, firecracker personality, and deep love for his family and friends.
Visitation for Todd Sterr will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet, IL. Funeral services will be the following morning, Thursday, November 2, 2023, starting at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to the Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. As it was his wish, cremation rites will be accorded following Mass, and Todd will be placed at St. John the Baptist Cemetery next to his late brother Sean at a later date.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
