Donald "Don" L. Sterbenz

Donald "Don" L. Sterbenz, age 87, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, with his children by his side at McCrite Plaza in Topeka.

Don was born the son of Louis George and Evelyn Mary (Thill) Sterbenz on September 2, 1934, in Olpe, KS.

He was a graduate from Hayden Catholic High School and served in the Kansas National Guard. On September 6, 1952, Don married Patsy “Pat” Jean Bass at Holy Name Church. Pat passed away on June 10, 2021.

Don retired as a Captain on the Topeka Fire Department in December of 1984 and was a member of the IAFF Local 83: Topeka Kansas Firefighters. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Don owned Sterbenz Painting and Decorating, of which he employed his wife Pat as a bookkeeper, sons, brother, and nephew as well as friends.  He and Pat traveled extensively and visited 48 states, always visiting, and attending catholic churches in that particular area. They enjoyed and taught country dancing for a number of years.

Survivors include his children; daughter, Debbie Schmidtlein and (Jim); son, David Sterbenz and (Roseanna); daughter, Brenda Cook and (Mitch); daughter, Donna Marney and (Perry); son, Dan Sterbenz and (Lori); 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Sterbenz and (Joan); sister, Judy Shields and (William).

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Patsy “Pat” Jean Sterbenz.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation with the Topeka Fire Honor Guard standing attention on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, from 9-10:00 A.M., with the parish rosary at 10:00 A.M. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, KS 66616. The Topeka Fire Honor Guard will provide the Last Bell ceremony following the service.  Burial of cremains will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Don’s loving memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and/or Topeka Fire Honor Guard, 324 SE Jefferson St., Topeka, KS 66607. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.