Jane was born the daughter of Albert William Jr. (Bill) and Dorothy (Kalow) Heiman in Anderson, Indiana on November 9, 1956. She was baptized on January 6, 1957, and has been a lifelong Lutheran. Jane graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in Indiana, class of 1975. She earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and later her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Jane married Michael Sternemann on September 2, 1978, at Christ Lutheran Church in Anderson, Indiana. Jane and Michael raised their family in Davisburg.
Jane had a career as an engineer, specializing in Safety and Crashworthiness for General Motors. She held several patents and served as an engineering manager in Warren and Pontiac.
Jane’s faith in her Savior Jesus was evident to the numerous kindergarten Sunday School children she taught over the years and in her many roles at Prince of Peace in Ortonville before its closing in 2025. She mentored several St. John middle school Future City groups whom she led to two national finals competitions in Washington, DC. Jane enjoyed her many bible study groups, especially with newfound friends at La Casa in Florida and with her high school girlfriends she stayed in touch with over the years. She enjoyed playing board and card games, particularly euchre with her friends from St. Stephen. She was an excellent trip planner and Mackinac Island was her happy place to spend time with family and friends.
She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Jane is survived by her loving husband Michael Sternemann; children Jennifer (Mitchell) McGinnis, Joseph Sternemann, Matthew (Meghan Katner) Sternemann, and Jacob (Kathy Everett) Sternemann; grandchildren Afton, Coen, Sabine, Charlotte, Magdalena, Theodore, Isaiah, Laurence, Nathaniel, Walter, Elijah, and Gianna; siblings John Heiman, Jim (Lynn) Heiman, and Carol (Lance) Onken. Jane was predeceased by her parents; parents-in-law Theodore and Charlotte Sternemann; brother Bert Heiman; and grandchildren Shiloh and August.
Visitation will be held on Thursday May 7, 2026 from 2-8pm at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. The funeral service will be on Friday May 8, 2026 at 10:30am (9:30 instate) at St. John Lutheran church, located at 1011 University Drive in Rochester, Michigan. Interment will follow at Davisburg Cemetery, Davisburg, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s honor to Crossroads Care Center in Auburn Hills online at www.crossroadscarecenter.org
