Timmie Ray Sterken

Timmie was born on June 20th, 1944 in Grand Rapids to Paul and Jennie (Golds) Sterken. In 1962 Timmie graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School. After high school, Timmie joined the US Army where he spent 4 years on active duty and 6 years in the reserves. From 1966-1971 he served full time in Vietnam. After leaving the service Timmie began working at Oliver Machinery where he worked for 22 years. In 1985 he started working at Herman Miller where he would eventually retire from.

Timmie loved motorcycles and antique cars. Even at 79 he still rode his motorcycle whenever he could. He was an active member of the West Michigan OSH MG Car Club where he served on the board for many years. He loved his 1963 Corvette and took frequent trips to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners. He also attended the Hershey Car Show in Pennsylvania every year. He liked riding dirt bikes with friends, taught his kids how to ride snowmobiles, and spent summers camping in Hessel in the Upper Peninsula. Though he never formally received more than a high school diploma, Timmie was as smart as anyone with an advanced degree and continuously expanded his knowledge taking all sorts of different classes throughout his career.

Timmie is survived by his ex-wife Sharon; his sons Christopher and Vaughn; daughter-in-law Pam; his sister Barb Wright; and his grandchildren Bryce, Brody, and Tressa.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 26th from 12-2PM and 6-8PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.