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On city council
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By Fritz Busch
Staff Writer
SLEEPY EYE -- Sleepy Eye residents shared fond memories for the late Earle W. Stevermer, 81, who died June 6 at the Mayo Clinic Mankato Hospital.
Active in many organizations, Stevermer served 21 years on the Sleepy Eye City Council. He was a filed supervisor at Del Monte Corp. in Wells and Sleepy Eye, working for the company for 32 years.
Stevermer served as board president of the Sleepy Eye High School Athletic Booster Club and Sleepy Eye Golf Club. A Lions Club member for many years, he also volunteered for many things including the Sleepy Eye High School golf team, ran the clock at Sleepy Eye High School football and basketball games and was public address announcer at many basketball games.
"He'll be missed," said former Sleepy Eye City Attorney Errol Hauser. "He was a great guy to go to games with. Our daughters played on the same basketball team (in the late 1980s)."
"Earle really did a good job on the city council. He was progressive, helping with important city development projects," Hauser added.
"Earle supported our athletic programs. He was a huge school supporter. Always a fun guy to talk to. I loved his positivity," said Sleepy Eye Public School Superintendent John Cselovszki.
"He'll be greatly missed. You could always have a good time with him. He was very passionate about the Sleepy Eye Indians athletics and academics. He volunteered hundreds of hours and never asked for a dime," said Sleepy Eye Public School Board Chairwoman Darla Remus.
"Earle and his wife Pat are icons here. They've done so much for the school," she added.
"He was very dedicated. He listened to people, found out what the issues are and got things done. I have great admiration for Earle," said retired Sleepy Eye City Clerk Ed Treml. "He took great pride in the community. He promoted community business and development, helping solve sewer and storm water issues, straightening things out."
A 1960 Wells High School graduate, Stevermer studied agriculture at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul campus. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963, serving in Germany until 1966. Stevermer was an avid bowler and golfer and enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday, June 16 at the Church of St. Mary, Sleepy Eye. Visitation with the family is 4-7 p.m. June 15 with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Sleepy Eye Public School Athletic Booster Club, the Sleepy Eye Education Foundation Scholarship Fund and the Sleepy Eye Lions Club. Online condolences can be left at www.sturmfh.com.