Remembering Jerry Sterk

It is with tremendous sadness that The Antelope Valley Rural Museum reports the passing of Jerry Sterk…

Jerry’s complete obituary is posted below.

The AV Rural Museum is grateful to the Sterk Family for choosing us for donations in memory of Jerry. Jerry was a Founder and Charter Member of both the Rural Olympics Hall of Fame since 2005 and the Antelope Valley Rural Museum since 2009. Jerry’s Memorial and contributors will be permanently displayed on the Donor Wall in the museum. Donations may be made through PayPal or Credit/Debit Card by clicking the DONATE link, or by Check. Please add your short message.

Click here to make a donation in memory of Jerry Sterk.
The AVRM is a 501(c)(3) public charity EIN: 27-1002922

Jerry Allan Sterk, a lifelong native of Lancaster passed away on May 10, 2026. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Pete & Flora and his brother Frank.

Jerry is survived by his children, Steve (Renee), Dona (Gino), and David (Paula). Eleven Grandchildren, Heather, Aubry, Brittany, Sean, Sarah, David, Daniel, Ben, Tim, Lindsay and Jessica and 13 Great Grandchildren. Along with his sister Caryl Fischer (John) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerry was the first baby born in 1935 at the Cedar Street Hospital. He attended Lancaster Elementary, Park View Middle School, Antelope Valley High School and A V Junior College.

He grew up on an Alfalfa Ranch where they had some milking cows, raised sheep, pigs and showed them at the AV Fair.

Jerry married Barbara Jones in 1957 and they enjoyed 63 years together. He worked for General Electric for 30 years as an Aircraft Mechanic & Crew Chief at EAFB and Mojave Airport. He worked on GE Flight Test Engines with different planes which enabled him to travel to Oklahoma, Alaska, Ohio, Iceland, London & France for Airshows & Testing.

Dad loved to spend time with his three children, including going on vacations once the kids were out of school for summer and always took time off over Christmas to be with his family.

He loved fishing in the Sierra’s, hunting, camping, gardening and doing projects for others. Hobbies included collecting old canning jars, milk bottles, watching NASCAR. After retiring he spent 3 years building his 1928 Ford Hotrod that he drove/raced in his younger years. He was a member of the Bachelor’s Car Club at AVHS. He drove his Hotrod to car shows in CA and NV and won numerous awards.

He loved attending AV Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and NRA banquets.
He was a founding member of the Antelope Valley Rural Museum and Rural Olympics Hall of Fame Committee, along with being a Blue Ribbon recipient of the A V Fair. He also served on the Oldtimer’s Committee.