Steven Wade Sterling

Steven Wade Sterling Jr. went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his brother Michael Sterling, on July 14, 2015, at the young age of 27. Steven was born on April 14, 1988, in Yakima, WA. He attended Union Gap School and was an altar boy at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He attended Eisenhower High School and Central Washington University.

Steven served proudly in the Army for four years, stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY and was deployed for 1 year to Iraq. His military career was one of many of Steven’s great accomplishments. He received an Iraq campaign medal with two campaign stars, Army commendation medal, Army achievement medal (2nd award), Army good conduct medal, National defense service medal, Global war on terrorism service medal, Army service ribbon, overseas service ribbon, and air assault badge.

While serving his country, he met many new friends, as well as coming home on leave and falling in love with a childhood friend. Steven married Stephanie on April 9, 2009 in Clarksville, Tennessee. After being honorably discharged as a disabled Veteran, Steven and Stephanie moved back to their home town here in Yakima, WA, bought their first home, started their college careers, and began their family.

Steven attended college at CWU to pursue his BA in biology. He enjoyed a variety of activities including golfing, camping, motorcycle riding, and fishing. He had an adventurous soul and always wanted to try new things. He had a unique personality and loved watching the Seattle Seahawks play. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family, friends, and his two fur babies, Fee Fee and Chico. One of the proudest days of Steven’s life was when his wife Stephanie gave birth to their daughter on Sept. 15, 2013. Lillian Marie Sterling is her daddy’s pride and joy; Steven lovingly nicknamed her Honey Sugar Coco – just Coco for short. Steven enjoyed being a father and made sure to provide a great life for his family.

He is survived by his wife Stephanie and beautiful daughter, Lilly Sterling; his parents, Shawn and Becky Kochie; sisters, Leanna (Kenny) Kochie and Justine Kochie; brothers, Joshua (Tasha) Kochie of Union Gap and Dustin Sterling of Yakima; grandparents, Jan Lunceford of Yakima, Betty St. George of Union Gap, and Helen Sterling of Selah; along with a niece, Taylor, and one on the way; nephews, Jayden (Jdog), Kenny, and Landyn; uncles, Owen Lunceford of Spokane, WA, and David Lunceford of Yakima; aunts, Connie Lunceford and Michelle Kochie of Yakima, WA, Beverly Sterling and Robin Sterling of Selah, WA; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his big brother and best friend Michael Sterling, Grandpa and Grandma Hoffman, Ken Lunceford, Steven Sterling, Larry Sterling, Regina Sterling, and Darren Sterling.

He will be greatly missed by all. As we told your brother, “Until we met again,” Steven, “You will always be in our hearts and thoughts; we will never forget you! We love you with all our hearts and souls. May you rest in peace until we are all reunited together again.” – Dad, Mom, Steph, Coco, Leanna, Justine, and Joshua.

A Vigil will be held Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 4-8 pm at Langevin • El Paraíso Funeral Home. Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Cathedral at 10:00 am on Friday, July 24, 2015, with a graveside service, including Military Honors, at Calvary cemetery to follow.

In honor of Steven’s love for the Seattle Seahawks please feel free to attend services in Seahawks attire at the family’s request.

To share a memory of Steven, please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.