Doris Sterger

Doris Marie Sterger, 71, of Crookston passed away on December 26, 2025 at the Benedictine Living Center. Doris was born on Sept 22, 1954 in Crookston, Minnesota to Andrew Sterger and Ida Marie Anna Butenhoff Sterger. Her family was fond of giving each other nicknames and her brother Jim nicknamed her squirrel. This name would stick with Doris throughout her life. Doris loved collecting Beanie Babies, online shopping, and purchasing numerous jewelries. However, her most unique item, that she adored, was a stuffed squirrel that sat on her dresser.

Doris graduated from Crookston Central High School with the class of 1974 before attending Missionary College. Doris lived the majority of her in Crookston except for a short time when she lived in South Dakota. Throughout her life she worked various jobs including restaurants, nursing homes, and retail but her favorite job was being a security guard at the beet plant in Crookston. During her life, her brother Jim and her were devoted to each other until his death in 2017.

Doris’ devotion to her faith was evident. She was confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston and remained a member there for most of her life. She was a very devout woman of faith and in her later years she walked closer with the Lord, showing his love through many selfless acts of giving.

In her later years, Doris moved into the Benedictine Living Center in Crookston. At first, she kept to herself, but over time she developed many friendships. She enjoyed playing games with her many friends at the nursing home.

Doris is survived by her sister, Donna Schmidt of Staple, MN; brother, Allen Sterger of California; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ida Marie Sterger; brothers, Roger Sterger, Thomas Sterger, and Jim Sterger.

Honorary Pallbearers include Todd Schmidt, Mark Schmidt, Richard Sterger, Christopher Sterger, Nicholas Sterger, Ronald Normanden, Brent Kentner, Ryan Schmidt, Kenneth Coklas, Shawn Berens, and Wesley Twa.

A funeral service to honor Doris’ life will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 at 11:30 am from the chapel at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:30.

Doris’ family will hold a private committal service at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston at a later date.