Clayton LeRoy Sterner

Clayton LeRoy “Red” Sterner passed away Feb. 7, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the comfort of his own home surrounded by loved ones.

“As his soul soars in the sky with the eagles, he left behind words for us to share:”

Clayton LeRoy “Red” Sterner, 64 years of age, was born March 17, 1953, in Kalispell to Dale Clayton Knaus and Naomie Jean Sterner. He and his brother Garold were adopted by William A. and Vella B. Sterner (Naomie’s parents) in 1957 and remained Flathead Valley natives throughout their lives. Elementary school was at Cornelius Hedges, middle school was at Central and Linderman, and then on to Flathead High School.

Clayton had a short stent in the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge. He was a sonar technician in nuclear electronics. Clayton loved all that the Flathead Valley had to offer. He held many jobs including the Burlington Northern Railroad, C&C Plywood Corporation, Plum Creek Plywood, American Timber Company and Stillwater Forest Products. He also fell timber for Royal Logging & Canyon Logging and finished his employment career working as a grounds- keeper for his beloved friends, William and Julia Bosic, on their estate in Woods Bay for 14 years. When he wasn’t working at his primary job he loved to cut firewood with his brother Garold and had hundreds of satisfied customers.

Clayton loved NASCAR and his favorite racer was Jeff Gordon. He was a huge fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. Besides sports, he loved hunting, fishing and traveling whenever possible.

Clayton was preceded in death by his father Clayton Dale “Rusty” Knaus, stepmother “Tiny” Knaus, mother Naomie Shaw, stepfather Robert Shaw, grandparents William and Vella Belle Sterner, four brothers Jack, Claude, Kenny and Todd; and last but not least, his first born son, Deleno John ”Jack” Sterner, who was taken from this earth at the prime of his life.

Clayton is survived by brothers, Garold R. Sterner, William G. Good and Craig Knaus; sisters, Rockanna Rand, Carrie Knaus, Ranae Oya and Helen Oya; and life partner, Mary Schopp; son, Doolie Sterner; and his tribe of nieces, nephews and countless loved ones who will miss him dearly.

In closing, Clayton and his family would like to provide a great thanks to Darlington Funeral Home for their incredible kindness, understanding and professionalism.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will be held in the facilities provided by Darlington Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Feb. 25. Clayton’s family asks that all who join please try to wear something red or green, if possible, to honor Clayton as we all celebrate his life.