Judith G. Sturm

July 22, 1941 - November 24, 2021

Judith G. Sturm, age 80 of Monroe, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 24, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor. Born July 22, 1941 in Mankato, MN, Judy was the daughter of John and Lucille (Panzer) Sorenson. On December 29, 1961, she married Dale C. Sturm in Grand Rapids, MI. Together they raised two sons. Judy and Dale moved to the Monroe area in 1964 to purchase the John Deere Farm Equipment dealership located in Maybee, which they operated for 23 years. It was at that time they became members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Monroe. Judy had a passion for teaching and language. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in German from the University of Michigan. Judy began her teaching career at Redford High School and then at Summerfield High School prior to raising her family. She resumed her career by teaching at St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Ford/Visteon Learning Center, and Monroe County Community College. Judy spoke fluent German and enjoyed the linguistics and history of various languages. For a long time, Judy socially met with friends at MCCC who shared her interest in speaking and learning the German language. Judy was an animal lover with a soft spot for rescuing Doberman Pinschers. She had an appreciation for nature and preservation and was an amateur nature photographer. She took joy in photographing local wildflowers while riding her bike along the country roads near Maybee. Additionally, Judy loved quilts and was an aspiring quilt designer. Judy is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Dale Sturm; her two sons, William J. (Colleen) Sturm of Livonia, MI and Jeffrey C. (Michelle) Sturm of Taylor, MI; three siblings, Anne Smith of Sacramento, CA, Thomas (Marilyn) Sorenson of Grand Rapids, MI and John Sorenson, also of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren: Justin (Emily) Kelley, Natalie Sturm, Joseph Sturm, Mitchell Sturm, and Jessalyn Sturm; and two spoiled pet dogs, Gabe and Emma. Interment with graveside services were held Thursday, Dec. 2nd at Grand Lawn Cemetery in Pigeon, MI where Judy was laid to rest on the Sturm family plot. All are invited to attend a local memorial celebration of her life at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The church pastor, Rev. Melodye VanOudheusden will officiate. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with burial and funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests supporting the Humane Society of Monroe County or Oaks of Righteousness.