Church guide

Though it's hard to say good-bye, let us be thankful for the time together. Rachel Howieson was without a doubt one of Sterling's finest. Blessed be her memory. Her obituary is as follows: Rachel Howieson, age 103, of Amboy, MN, died February 1, 2018 at Presbyterian Homes Folkestone of Wayzata. Born November 20, 1914 in Sterling Township, MN to George and Cora Lamp Sharp. She graduated from Mapleton High School in 1932 and graduated from Teacher's Normal School with a two year teaching degree in 1934. Rachel taught in the Blue Earth and Martin County rural schools for two years before marrying William Henderson Howieson on June 27, 1936. They rented a farmstead until 1939 and then bought a farm in Sterling Township, MN. Two daughters were born to them, Helen Jean and Dorothy Ann. They farmed for fifteen years and then Bill Howieson was killed in an auto accident in 1951. Rachel rented out the farm land and resumed teaching elementary school. She taught at rural schools and then taught in the Amboy-Good Thunder School for 28 years (mostly fourth grade), 1953-1981. During this timeframe, she graduated with her Bachelor's degree (1966) and started a Master's of Education degree. She retired from teaching in 1981. She lived in the farmstead house until Oct. 2001. She then moved to Primrose Senior Living in Mankato, MN for fifteen years and then to Presbyterian Homes Folkestone of Wayzata until her death on Feb 1, 2018. Rachel enjoyed reading, gardening, family, travel, and social events in her community. Club memberships: Amboy Rebecca Lodge #137, Amboy Presbyterian Church, Sterling Study Club, and Mother's Club that was dissolved 2001. She is survived by two daughters, Helen Jean Dobbs and Dorothy Vigness; three grandchildren, Will (Karen Arntzen) Dobbs, Aimee (Luis Puga) Dobbs, and Julie (Michael) Vigness-Pint; and great-granddaughters, Sydney and Greta Vigness-Pint, Lucia Puga; and great-grandson, William Puga. Surviving sibling, Irene Howard; and sister-in-law, Darlene Sharp. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Howieson; sisters, Kathryn Sharp Starkey, and Effie Sharp Rudenick; brothers, Everett and Robert Sharp; and sons-in-law, Clark Dobbs and Wendell Vigness. Memorials can be given to Amboy Presbyterian Church or Sterling Cemetery care of Carol Juergens. Funeral will be held at 11am, Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Amboy Presbyterian Church, 240 North Street East, Amboy, MN 56010 with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Sterling Cemetery. Olson-Tichenor Funeral Home in Mapleton is assisting the family with arrangements.

At this time of year, it is hard not to think of the loved ones that have gone before us and many prayers to those who have recently endured the loss of a family member.

Still interested in purchasing a copy of the best-selling (well in Sterling Township maybe) "Sterling Church and Cemetery" book??? You can pick one up at Marketing Link Insurance during business hours or at Maple River Heritage on Weds or Sat mornings. Cost per copy is $20. Or if you would like one shipped to you there is an additional cost of $3.12 per book. You can mail your payments to: 55017 105th Street Amboy, MN 56010 Please make checks payble to: Sterling Cemetery Society

Don't forget the Annual Meeting and Potluck this Wednesday, June 14th. Meal beginning at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Interested in purchasing a copy of the Sterling Church and Cemetery book??? You can pick one up at Marketing Link Insurance during business hours or at Maple River Heritage on Weds or Sat mornings. Cost per copy is $20. If you would like one shipped to you there is an additional cost of $3.12 for shipping per book. You can mail your payments to: 55017 105th Street Amboy, MN 56010 Make checks payble to: Sterling Cemetery

Program at 2 pm today. God bless every veteran!

Not all that much has changed in 35 years. This picture is from Memorial Day 1982. Cookies and lemonade served after the program, just as they will be again this year. Program on Monday, May 29th, at 2 pm.

The Old Settlers Gathering was held at the church on May 11, 1907. Originally the event was to be at the farm of Joseph Dobie but plans were altered when he passed on May 3, 1907. Although they were admittedly a year late, the group wanted to observe the semi-centennial of the arrival of the pioneer settlers. An outdoor picnic had been arranged but the weather proved to be quite cool for the season as snow had been received a few days prior. This one and many other pictures will be in the upcoming book. Available starting on Memorial Day.

Reserve your book today about the Sterling Church and Cemetery that will be available in May. Copies are $20 each (+ postage if applicable). Don't miss out! Contact Janelle Magelee via email at [email protected] or call 507.340.2634

In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Sterling Church, an effort is being made to put together a book with information pertaining to the church and cemetery. If you have anything that may be of interest, please contact Janelle Magelee via email at [email protected] or call (507).525.4620.

Even on a icy, wintery morning, there is a certain peace and tranquility.

A few of Sterling's finest.

Don't forget the meeting and potluck tonight!

A reminder that this Wednesday evening, June 15, 2016, is the annual cemetery potluck and meeting at the Sterling Town Hall. Supper at 6:30. All are welcome!

A very grateful and sincere thank-you to Brian Shekleton who took these beautiful shots of this year's Memorial Day gathering. https://www.flickr.com/photos/shekshots/sets/72157668724505762/with/26771994333/

The Sterling Church and Cemetery is more than a building and land. It is a community as well represented by this picture taken on May30, 2016.

Memorial Day 2016 - Please make plans to attend next year as we celebrate the 150th year of the church building!