May 31, 2018 — The Sterne family’s connection with Westonka Schools goes back nearly 90 years and right up to the present. Jenneth Bertal Sterne was the first in the family to graduate from Mound High School in 1932, but he planted his roots in the community and his children also graduated from Mound High – Janice Sterne in 1957 and William J. Sterne in 1961. William married Susan Neitge Sterne, Class of 1962, and their children, William S. Sterne (Class of 1982) and John C. Sterne (Class of 1985) graduated from Mound Westonka High School. William S. married Polly Theobold Sterne (Class of 1983) and their children, James (Class of 2010) and Hailey and Hanah (Class of 2013) also graduated from MWHS. The children of John and his wife, Tracy, are the most recent MWHS graduates in the family – Jack in 2014 and Grant in 2017.

In a four-generation photo taken in the late 1990s, Jenneth Sterne (seated) and William J Sterne (standing) are flanked by John C and Jack Sterne and William S. and James Sterne.

The Westonka Community has many long-time residents and families who have lived here for generations. As we continue to celebrate the Centennial of our consolidated school district, we would like to highlight more of our three and four (or more) generation families that may include former and current students and staff. Please send a photo or photos of groups of family members or individuals, along with your information, to Carol Shukle, shuklec@westonka.k12.mn.us.