Mark passed away on August 2, 2021
June 19, 1959 - August 2, 2021
Mark Sterle spent much of his life in a wheelchair after being in a 1978 gymnastics accident in Florida, but despite his disability, he was an inspiration to all who knew him.
He was a creator, a musician, and a businessman, but beyond that Mark was a living example of what a person can accomplish with a major disability. Although confined to a wheelchair, he was a man with few limits.
Mark’s sister, Susan Sterle, still marvels at his accomplishments.
“Mark designed and built his own wheelchair, and he wrote the software used to operate it,” she said. “He also designed a harmonica changer he used during live performances around Texas A&M University.”
Mark’s harmonica changer was a device that held multiple harmonicas, each with a different tone. When he needed a different harmonica, the changer would rotate until the instrument he needed was in the proper location.
He also designed a platform for the back of his wheelchair that folded down, allowing a passenger to ride with him while he drove the chair.
Mark and Susan created and co-owned a backyard business where they created, marketed, and sold Boy Scout Arrow of Light awards. He was the creator, Susan handled fulfillment, and the business was in existence for 10 years.
“He made arrow kits,” Susan said. “The arrows included strips that represented the merit badges the Scout had earned. The business closed in 2017.”
When not busy with music or making customized Boy Scout awards, Mark was commonly seen walking one of his dogs around the Texas A&M campus in College Station, where he lived for many years.
“He walked his dog almost every day around campus, usually about five miles a day,” Susan recalled. “He also enjoyed stopping off at Dudley with the dog to chat with friends and sip a cold beer through a straw.”
Susan remembers her brother as a family man who cared deeply about his family.
“Mark was always a high achiever, and he carried that attitude through his entire life,” she said. “His family contributed to his successes by coming together to do everything possible to help him become as independent as possible.”
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Philip Jacob Sterle, (2013), and his older brother David Sterle (2016).
His Mother, Loretta Sterle, sister Susan Sterle, and sister Margaret Sterle are the surviving family. Also remaining are David Sterle’s four children, Megan Sterle, PJ Sterle, Clara Sterle, Sabrina Sterle, Susan’s son, John Connolly, and Margaret's daughters, Mary Ashcraft and Sarah Ashcraft.
Written by David Stone
ourtowntemple@gmail.com