Larry S. Sterett, 92, of Biggsville, IL, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Henderson County Retirement Center, Stronghurst, IL.
He was born on June 10, 1933, in Galesburg, IL and is the son of Hazel E. Sterett. Larry grew up in Biggsville surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved grandmother, Elizabeth Sterett. Larry graduated from Biggsville High School and attended the University of Illinois for one year and then Monmouth College where he graduated with a B.A. in chemical engineering and education in 1956. He was inducted into the TKE Fraternity at Monmouth College. On paper he only held a bachelor’s degree, but he continued to take classes each summer as he loved to read and learn!
On September 25, 1953, he married Betty Ann Themanson, at the First Lutheran Church in Danville, IL. They were blessed with four children—Deborah Sterett of Jacksonville, IL, Tamee (Dan) Renwick of Monmouth, IL, SSGT Ret’d. USMC Bradley (Carolyn) Sterett, of Swansboro, NC, and Brian (Nanci) Sterett of Biggsville, IL.
Larry started his teaching career at Biggsville High School, later becoming Union High School. He taught for 37 years, retiring in May 1993. He taught advanced math, chemistry, trigonometry/calculus and physics. Looking back, his chemistry students could tell some stories of their many experiences from class…most being successful, but not always!! He also coached football, basketball and track. During his 33-year career coaching track, he had many outstanding track athletes qualify for the State Meet each May.
Larry was a lifetime member of the United Presbyterian Church in Biggsville and served as a Trustee, an Elder and was a member of the Great River Presbytery Synod. After retirement, Larry served on the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District Board, the RC & D Board, Henderson County Assessors Board and enjoyed helping with Special Olympics, IL Region, as a starter for track meets. He is also a member of the Outdoor Writers Association. Larry has been involved with the USS STERETT Ship Association since 1997 and hosted the last reunion of WWII sailors in 2003 in Springfield. He also continued his hobby of writing articles and book reviews for many national magazines pertaining to firearms and trap shooting. He attended THE GRAND until recently and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of the event.
Larry enjoyed traveling to Canada and the western U.S. states with his family each summer, always camping along the way. His last big travel adventure was a tour of Scotland and Ireland in 2018 at the age of 85!!
Larry is survived by three children – Deborah, Tamee and Brian as well as seven grandchildren – Dustin (Helen Hare) Renwick, Emilee Renwick (Kevin) Caba, Ben (Dakota) Sterett, Sara Sterett, Mary Sterett, Andy Sterett and Johanna Sterett and three great grandchildren – Elijah Sterett, Clover Betty Anne Caba and Iris Elsiee Caba. Numerous cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2020, son Brad in 2018, his mother, grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. His beloved cat, Mother Kitty, and dogs Picabo, Lady, Metro and Buster Keaton also preceded him in death.
Longevity was common in his family (his grandmother lived to104 and two aunts were 95 and 100) and we always thought he would live to be that young! Dad will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life for Larry and Betty will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will immediately follow at the Biggsville Cemetery with fellowship and a luncheon to be held back at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be given to the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church, South Henderson Church or Monmouth College and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies F
