William Irvin Sterns

William Irvin Sterns

William Irvin (Bill) Sterns died June 10, 2020, in Wasilla, Alaska. Bill was born on December 6, 1949, in Hood River, Oregon, to Catherine Ann (Miller) and Irvin William Sterns, Jr. Bill grew up in Stevenson, Washington, graduating high school in 1968. He attended the University of Montana and was a starting linebacker for the Grizzlies (1969-1972). After graduating, he played semi pro football in Wisconsin and Nevada.

On October 19, 1974, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Cheryl June Hathaway, in Stevenson. He coached high school football and taught in Oregon and Washington until 1981, when he was hired as head football coach at Dimond High School in Anchorage. Bill and his family moved to Wasilla. Bill was a popular coach and led the Dimond Lynx to its first Alaska State championship in 1983.

In 1984, he became head coach of the Wasilla Warriors. The first game out, the Warriors beat longtime rival Palmer Moose. Bill was also a history buff and chaperoned several student trips to Washington D.C. He retired from teaching in 2006.

Bill loved Alaska. He continued hunting and fishing long after he retired. He also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and visiting family and friends in the lower 48.

Bill is survived by daughter Tracy Holzhauer, grandsons Boden and Hudson of Stevenson, and son Bodie William, grandson Brayden and granddaughter Mia, of Guyton, Georgia. He is also survived sisters Christine Sterns, Judith Friedt, Jean Simchuck, and his brother John.

A special thank you to Esther and Randy Arndt and Linda and Rick Volkman for their many kindnesses, particularly during the past five months, as well as over 39 years of close friendship.

Bill’s ashes will be scattered in Alaska and Washington as he wished. A scholarship has been established at Stevenson High School in Bill’s name.