Sterling Harm Hespen was born on February 23, 1920 in Rural Syracuse, Nebraska to William E. and Gesina M. "Sena" (Juilfs) Hespen. He passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 22 days.

Sterling was raised and lived his entire life in the Syracuse Area. He was united in marriage on August 14, 1941 in Syracuse to Myrna C. Wendeln. They made their home on a farm outside of Syracuse and together farmed and were Polled Hereferd Breeders. Sterling was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ where he was a choir member, Farm Bureau, Burr Coop Board, Otoe County Ag. Society, Community Memorial Hospital Board, Good Samaritan Center Board, Nebraska Polled Hereford Association, District 42 School Board. He also drove school bus for many years.

He is survived by his : Wife: Myrna Hespen of Syracuse, NE; Daughter: Phyllis Masters and husband James of Syracuse, NE: Sister: Marie Goering and husband Keith of Syracuse, NE; Grandchildren: Deb Dettmer, Sheryl Schroer, Joanna Zastera and husband Ed, Dan Masters and wife Liza all of Syracuse, NE; Great Grandchildren: Taylor & Eli Dettmer, Paige, Ethan & Jackson Zastera, Camden Masters.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brothers: Richard & Kenneth Hespen, Infant Daughters: Charlotte & Kathryn.

Funeral Memorial Services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Syracuse, Nebraska with Rev. John Finster officiating.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. at Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse, Nebraska

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 17th from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.; Thursday, December 18th from 9:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the Funeral Home; Friday, December 19th from 9:00 A.M. until Noon.

Memorials may be directed to the family.