BRET ELDER STERNER obituary

Bret Elder Sterner, 47, died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, at his residence in Havre.

His cause of death has not yet been determined. His graveside memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Highland Cemetery with Ila McClenahan officiating. Burial will follow. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the Eagles Club. Bret was born Feb. 23, 1960, in Chester to Burdette and Helen (Adams) Sterner. He was raised in the Cascade area and moved to Havre in 1980 when the family sold their place south of Cascade. Bret enjoyed riding bikes, fishing, catching frogs and turtles in one of the nearby ponds, hunting, hiking, camping and being outdoors. He enjoyed family get-togethers and holiday events, playing board games, cards and the family birthday parties. He loved his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed a good “home cooked” meal, especially his mother's cooking. He had a love of animals and it didn't mater what type, if it was an animal it had a special place in Bret's heart. Bret also liked to collect things such as sunglasses, television sets and watches, just to name a few. He also loved to share his “treasures” that he many times purchased from Salvation Army with his family and friends. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. He was an “original” and proved that in the way he dressed if he liked it, he wore it. Bret worked odd jobs for people around the Havre area. He enjoyed working to help people and was excellent at fixing things, especially anything electronic. He enjoyed playing pool and working ceramics and he was very artistic.He enjoyed helping out Margie at McLeans where he spent a lot of his time. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Sterner in 1997; his father, Burdette Sterner in 1997; and his sister, Becky Buerkle in 2003. Bret is survived by his brothers and sisters, Dale (Linda) Sterner of Havre, Blaine (Chelise) Sterner of Gildford, Yvette (Gary) LaValley of Havre, Blake Sterner of Great Falls and Kathy (Larry) Olson of Havre; several aunts, uncles and eight nieces and nephews and two very close friends. Memorial Contributions in Bret's honor may be made to The Golden Triangle Mental Health 312 Third St., Havre, Montana 59501, or of a person's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.