Coe L. Sturm

Coe L. Sturm, our sweet, kind, creative Father and Grandfather, and funniest person you could ever meet passed in his sleep Monday, Jan 25, 2021. Our Dad was 90 years "young" and just one week short of his 91st birthday, Feb 2nd, which is also Groundhogs Day, as he was always quick to remind us. He was in good health, living with his furry "roomate" Max, along with his sketchbooks, watches, artwork, many pictures and mementos of a life well-lived. His beloved wife, Liz passed just 13 months ago as they were coming up on their 65th Anniversary. Our Dad had the ability to retreat into a "zone" at times to handle stress, sadness and doubt so he was a perfect caregiver to my Mom, who in her last years suffered from Lewy Bodies Dementia, and was able to keep her at home. Luckily, she always knew us and at times you wouldn't even know she had LBD. We know he missed her so much and are glad they are finally reunited in heaven.

Coe was almost a life-long resident of Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge. He was born to Bill and Margaret (Coe) Sturm. He was always very artistic and loved to sing and could master almost any instrument and play by ear from an early age. He was a regular on the radio program, Little School House. He Loved to sing, and played in many bands in the Akron area. He attended Art School and was very talented, although he always said, "its all right, I guess." We have so many sketches, cartoons and poems to treasure for years to come because he was still creating, and singing up until his death. He had a passion for getting his thoughts written down, and expressed himself through sketches or doodling on any paper that was close by, about love, life, nature and world issues. His curiosity and philosophies were inspiring and his stories about his life experiences were always entertaining.

He was in the US Navy during the Korean War and then attended art school in Akron.. After marrying Liz and having to support his family, he worked various jobs and ended up being a sales rep for trucking companies such as P.J.E and Duff. He also worked for Ritzman Pharmacy when Life Alert was in its infancy, selling to hospitals in the area. He worked part-time at First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls after retirement.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife Liz (Hartline) and brother Bill (Nov 2020). He leaves behind to mourn, his dear son Michael Coe Sturm (Velma), loving daughter Lisa (Tim) Heineman; devoted grandson Ryan Coe (Kristin) Sturm; great grandchildren, Jenna, Madison, Camden (Coe); furry roommate Max and grand-dog Wally; nephews Rusty and Mitch Sturm, sister-in-law Bernie Sturm; dear friends Margie and Richard Roten, and many friends and family.

We are blessed to have spent so much time with him in the last year and will always keep him close to our hearts in the many memories of this truly kind, calm, talented and loving man who always put his family first. We'll miss his funny messages on our phone, how his face lit up when we visited, his daily calls, and always reminding us to "Be sure to call when you get home so I know you're safe."

A private service will be held followed by burial with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Those who wish to make memorial donations in his name, can make them to The Humane Society.