Ronald G. Sterkel

Ronald G. Sterkel died on December 6, 2023, and will be laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California on December 13, 2023 with Pastor Lance Allen officiating. Ron was a hard-working, compassionate man who enjoyed a long and richly blessed life.

Ron was born in Monterey Park, California on March 19, 1935 to Carl and Gladys Sterkel. He grew up in Burbank and graduated from John Burroughs High School. His favorite family pastimes included camping and hiking. Ron had an early interest in cars and one of his first jobs as a teenager was working in a large truck body shop where he pounded out fenders by hand. After high school, Ron served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Brown until his honorable discharge in 1961. Ron then pursued his interest in cars by building Sterkel GMC in Canoga Park with his father. This innovative truck, RV and car dealership was distinguished by creating lasting customer relationships. As service manager, Ron enjoyed keeping his client’s cars running smoothly for 37 years (1961-1998).

Ron met the love of his life, Evelyn, and they were married at New Hope Community Church, Canoga Park, on May 5, 1973, an event that launched Ron into 50 years of adventures with his wife and newly acquired family of four kids. Ron and Evelyn enjoyed global cruises, exploring new countries and making new friends. Ron is an integral part of hundreds of cherished family stories; he was always striving to be the world’s best grandpa, and a loving uncle. Ron enjoyed western shirts, movies and books, hosting pool parties, and taking his grandchildren to fun places.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Gary P. and Barbara Sterkel, and his brother-in-law Harlen “Bud” Busby. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Evelyn; his sister Carol Jean Busby; children Kathy (Greg) Murray, Judy (Jim) Campo, John Winnett and his partner Susan Stewart, Steve Winnett and his partner Anne Maria Jacobson; grandchildren Dylan and Ryan Murray, Lauren (Joshua) Hartmann, Steven (Jessica) Campo, Christina (Jamie) Flint; great-grand-daughters Charlotte and Natalie; and several dearly loved nieces & nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service for Ron will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 1 pm in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Avenue, Northridge CA 91326-3510.