Alice A. Sternau, nee Ladewig, 98, of Swansea, IL, born October 1, 1926, in Belleville, IL, died Monday, March 10, 2025, at Charter Senior Living, Belleville, IL.
She spent many of her childhood years living abroad as the family farm implementation business took them to Buenos Aires, Argentina from 1932 to 1935 and Mexico City from 1939 to 1944, where she graduated from American High School in 1944. In 1945, fate brought her to Forest Park Highlands where she met the love of her life, Roland Sternau, at a family wedding. Alice and Roland were married on November 8, 1947, at St. Francis de Sales Church, St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 and was a member of the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association.
Alice began her 42-year nursing career in May of 1947, working as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL. She was the head nurse in the Obstetrics department when she retired in 1990. Outside of her career, Alice was a member of and 4-H leader at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, and volunteer nurse at Camp Ondessonk. She found joy in gardening with her “two green thumbs,” tending to her chickens, spending time with her furry companions (Daisy, Moomoo and Cherrie), and cherishing her special relationship with her great-granddaughter, Baylee.
She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 39 years, Roland A. Sternau, who died on August 31, 1986; a son, Steven Sternau; a grandson, Scott Mueller; her parents, Gustav A. and Erna, nee Froese, Ladewig; a sister, Norma (Norman) Wambergue; and a nephew, Kevin Wambergue.
Surviving are her seven children, William (Christine) Sternau of Belleville, IL, Alan (Violet) Sternau of Belleville, IL, Catherine (Steven) Mueller of Swansea, IL, Margaret (James) Hoffmann of Swansea, IL, Joseph (Elizabeth) Sternau of Belleville, IL, Mary Beth (Kurt) Anheuser of Lebanon, IL, and James (Lisa) Sternau of Swansea, IL; 25 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; a dear niece, Laura; and dear friends, Sheryl and Rose.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BJC Hospice or to St. Vincent De Paul at P.O. Box 3415 East St. Louis, IL 62203. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A closing prayer will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Chris Spelbring officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
