Timothy Mark Sturm

On March 10, 2024, Timothy Mark Sturm, age 63 found peace with our Lord.  A strong individual who overcame many difficulties in life but was unable to overcome complications of heart related issues.

Tim was born on October 3, 1960, to Oscar and Beatrice (Strobel) Sturm.  He led an amazing and challenging life with his Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Tim graduated from Appleton East High School in 1981.  With much support from his family (especially guardians Karen and Gerald), he lived independently and happily for 27 years at Agape (SAP3) with various cats, most recently, Cleo.

Tim was a devout Catholic being an Altar server and usher at Sacred Heart Church.

Tim had an exuberant personality and the ability to tell an ‘occasional’ tall tale;  he had a way of believing he was an excellent navigator, trailer wirer, tuba player, and may more. 

Tim’s passions were fishing, and going to casinos, bingo, being a master jigsaw puzzle worker, Special Olympics bowling and swimming.  He was often seen pedaling his three-wheel bike with his fishing equipment packed in the back.  Tim enjoyed learning sturgeon spearing from his grandfather and father then continued with his big brothers, sisters-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.  It was always special that his brother Dan would pick him up on his way to the lake.  He enjoyed attending Sturgeon For Tomorrow banquets with family and spearing buddies Keith and Dan.  He was also very lucky with the door prizes.  He always loved the spring white bass run in Fremont on his buddy Dan’s dock with Mary and Dan.  Tim enjoyed time on the Wolf River with Kay, Mike and family.  A special thanks to Faye for keeping Tim in her life.  Tim often talked about his yearly trip with Dick, Carol and family to get his Christmas tree; it was only perfect if Kendra picked it out.

Tim enjoyed vacationing at Pickerel Lake and traveling around the United States for his Prader-Willi Syndrome conventions.  Family holidays were a highlight of his life.  He was the best ‘singing phone call’ to everyone on their birthdays and anniversaries.  Even a call to Carey in Oman for her birthday.

Tim enjoyed going out Saturday evenings with a different family member every week and having Sunday dinner with Fred and Darlene.  He enjoyed nature rides with Joe and many casino trips with Gerald and Pam.

Tim was very proud of his family:  Fred (Darlene), Robert (deceased) (Faye), Richard (Carol), Gerald (Pam), Mary (Dan) Schommer, Daniel (Jackie), Karen (Todd) Shackleton, Joseph (Pam), Kay (Mike) Trewin and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews including godchildren Madelaine Trewin and Masen Gerrits. 

Tim’s love for his family was unending including 22 nieces and nephews:  (Fred) Mike [Jen] , Randy [Thiane]; (Bob) Heather [Tim] Gerrits, Eric [Rachael]; (Dick) Carey [Chad] Johnson, Stacy [Chad] Denton, Andy [Kendra], Christopher; (Jerry) Hannah [Daniel] L’Hommedieu, Nikole [Tom] Noack; (Mary) Sara [Bill] Zoeller, Melissa [Ryan] Durrant, Joseph [Heather]; (Dan) Jenny [Allan] Erdman, Kristina [Chris] Schmitt, Kelly Aho, Beth Dodd, James [Hailee]; (Karen) Emily, Rebecca (Jesse) Klingforth; (Kay) Madelaine [fiancé Jake], and Liza.

And great nieces and nephews:  (Mike) Maxx; (Randy) Shayla; (Heather) Masen [fiancée Pam], Megan, Morgan; (Eric) Kyle; (Carey) Fallon, Cameron; (Stacy) Meredith; (Hannah) Caleb, Sarah Kate, Hudson; (Nikole) CJ, Kale, Emma; (Sara) Izabella, Danielle, Oscar, Lauralei, Harrison; (Melissa) Alyssa, Jacob; (Joe) Payton, Charlotte; (Jenny) Brianna; (Kristina) Nolan; (Kelly) Alexandria, Ashley, Zoe; (Beth) Chloe, Oliver; (James) Millie, Morrison; (Rebecca) Zinnia, and Jovie.

Preceded in death by his father (Oscar), mother (Beatrice) and brother (Robert).

A special thanks to those who contributed to Tim’s life:  Agape SAP3 (Ed Schroeder and wonderful staff), Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Staff, St. Elizabeth Hospice, Heartland Palliative, Alten Haus, Special Olympics, Valley Packaging (Ben Coons a special mentor).

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Agape “Living Your Dream” of Appleton:  7 Tri-Park Way Appleton WI 54914