Jesse Sturtz

Jesse Douglas David Sturtz, age 23 of Darlington, WI passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. He was born November 24, 1998, in Darlington, WI the son of Brian and Mary Jane (Kloepping) Sturtz. Jesse lived in Darlington most of his life where he graduated from Darlington High School with the Class of 2017. He later went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse in 2021. Jesse returned home following his college graduation and taught at Darlington High School. He most recently worked for Wedig Landscaping in Darlington. Jesse is survived by his parents: Brian and Mary Jane of Darlington; his brother: John (Mallary) Sturtz of Darlington; his sister: Laura Sturtz of Darlington; his nephew that he absolutely adored: Silas; a very special brother: Tyler Osterday of Darlington; his paternal grandmother: Mildred Sturtz of Lanark, IL; his maternal grandparents: Gary and Patti Kloepping of Shannon, IL; and his wild and crazy dog: Rex. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather: Ronald Sturtz; maternal great-grandparents: Wilmer and Doris Smith; and his good friend: Dennis "Furniture Murph" Murphy. Jesse was a member of Community Evangelical Free Church in Shullsburg. He had many hobbies but on the top of the list would be sports. He loved the time he spent playing baseball for the Wiota Indians Home Talent Team throughout the years. He was an outstanding athlete in high school. He was selected to the WFCA All-Star game his Senior year and named the SWAL Defensive Player of the Year his Junior and Senior year. He played varsity baseball for the Redbirds all 4 years where he earned the title of SWAL player of the year as a Senior. His competitive nature did not end after high school as he continued to passionately cheer on the Darlington Redbirds, was an avid weightlifter, and always put up a fierce front when playing board games with his family at John and Mal's. Jesse had a smile that would light up the room and a personality to match. His family and friends will miss him deeply. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Lafayette County Christian Church (11560 Center Hill Road, Darlington) with Rev. Russ Paul of Community Evangelical Free Church in Shullsburg officiating. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Lafayette County Christian Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jesse's name.