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Albert Lee Sturm, age 78, of Maricopa, Arizona, went to his home in heaven following a long fought battle with cancer on Friday, May 27, 2016. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Albert was born in Belmond, Iowa on May 15, 1938, to Albert G. and Nellie (Robertson) Sturm. As a teenager, Albert worked several part time jobs and worked nights to help out his family and later obtained his GED. In 1958, he met the love of his life at the Belmond Skating Rink. Albert married Karen Elaine Pals on August 8, 1959. They lived in Meservey, Belmond, and Hampton before settling on their acreage in Geneva in 1973. Albert worked at the American Crystal Sugar plant and for the Ackley-Geneva High School before switching over to become a carpenter. He really enjoyed working as a carpenter and often used those skills to help family and friends before retiring in 2000. In 2013, Albert and Karen decided to truly enjoy the retired life in Maricopa, AZ. Albert enjoyed being involved with his family. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren's activities as well as visiting and playing cards at family gatherings. When Albert wasn't spending his free time with his family, he enjoyed raising and showing his Bantam chickens, gardening, tinkering on a project on the acreage, and collecting coins and other antiques. Albert loved to talk with everyone. There was no such thing as a stranger when he was in the room. Albert always had a mission to keep his family happy and would go out of his way to provide his insight mixed with a little humor. Even though cancer stole his mobility and voice it never stole his spirit. He still maintained his humor in the last weeks and sparkling eyes up to the very end. Albert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen, his three children, Gene (Mona) Storm, Ricky Sturm, and Rachel (Matthew) Catherman, his brothers Ardell (Shirley) Sturm and Roy (Leverna) Sturm, sister-in-law Delores Sturm, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Darlene Mallow and Margie Sturm and his brother Harvey Sturm. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family, and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home 306 Central Ave E Hampton Iowa 50441, phone 641-456-3232. Cards of Condolence may be sent to Karen Sturm 36407 W El Greco St Maricopa AZ 85138.

Tributes

Albert Lee Sturm

May 15, 1938 - May 27, 2016