Sterling Menferd Thoe, 82, of Austin, died at his daughter’s home in Rochester, early Thursday morning, June 3, 2010. 
He was born July 10, 1927 to Knut E. and Ella Constance (Wilson) Thoe in Hayfield, Minn. where he attended school and worked for Wescott and James Poultry. He entered the Army on Sept. 19, 1950. He married Jane LaRae Krueger on March 31, 1951 in Austin. After serving in C Battery 847th Field Artillery Battalion, Sterling was honorably discharged on June 18, 1952. He returned home to work in the ham bone department at Hormel until retiring at age 57, after 41 years of employment. A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion, he enjoyed woodworking, steam engine shows, flea markets, antiques, collecting beer steins and being with his family, especially the grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Cathy (David) Peterson of Rochester and Lorrie (Jim) Barrett of St. Paul Park; five grandchildren, Amy (Christopher) Scott, Katie Jensen, Annie Peterson, Adam (Jennifer) Peterson and Dane (Nicole) Jensen; three great-grandchildren, Grace Scott, Sophia Jane Scott and Sean Jensen; three sisters, Blanche Haugland of Austin; Betty Hays of Chino Hills, California and Janice (John) Augustin of Austin. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane; three brothers, Verlyn, Delmont and Earl; one sister, Esther.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2010, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Thomas Olgilvie officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91. 
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.