Eric Russell Sterner

Eric Russell Sterner, 52 of La Junta passed away on September 17, 2017 at the Minnequa Medicenter in Pueblo after an extended illness. He was born to Wesley Sterner & Marilyn R. Russell on December 20, 1964 in La Junta.

He is survived by his parents, Marilyn Russell and Wesley (Lorna) Sterner; sisters, Ellen (Bill) Harper and Lynne (Wayne) Niston; nieces, Lauren Barrow, Sara Finney and Caitlyn Niston; nephews, Russell Harper and Ben Niston; five great nieces and nephews and his devoted white cat, Tiki.

In younger years, he was a nationally known competitive motocrosser, at one point achieving the highest ranking for his age group in the state of Colorado. As a fourth grader he played the lead role in the La Junta High School production of “The Ransom of Red Chief.” He was a gifted announcer for many sport venues and will be remembered by many for his chatty car commercials with Pat McGee of KBLJ. He grew to love golf, so much so that he lived in the clubhouse apartment for many years. As his father, Wes said, “He had an intensity in everything he did, whether it was in competition or messin’ around. If he was your friend, he was the best one you ever had.”

Friends and acquaintances are invited to save the date of Saturday, October 21, 2017 for a late afternoon celebration of life from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., “Eric the Red’s Victory Lap,” at Pappy’s Bar & Grill.

Those wishing to honor Eric may make contributions in Cameron Barrow’s name to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer at www.alexslemonade.org

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfh.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.