Zita Olga Sturm

Zita Olga Sturm, 83, of Pigeon, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Meadow Lane Assisted Living in Bad Axe.

Zita was born February 6, 1941 in Bavaria (Wellheim), Germany to the late Ludwig and Theresia Ecker. In 1963, she met her future husband at a ‘Jägerball’ (hunter’s dance) in Germany which he attended while visiting his German relatives. She married Waldo DeVere Sturm on December 14, 1963 at Pigeon First United Methodist Church.

Zita was a gifted quilter winning many best in show awards. She traveled the world visiting Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Peru, and India, just to name a few favorites.  She was an active member of Pigeon First United Methodist Church and served her community for many years as the coordinator of the Pigeon Meals-on-Wheels program.  She enjoyed cheering her kids on at Laker sporting events, long bike rides, good books, and her flower gardens.

Her home was a welcoming place for visitors of all kinds, including many foreign exchange students. She was well known for her delicious German cooking and hosted many holiday gatherings, often inviting newcomers who didn’t have family nearby. Some of these families turned into lifelong friends.

Zita is survived by her husband of 60 years DeVere; children Eva (Larry) Sturm of Port Austin, Julia Sturm of Marshall, Anne (Christian) Sturm of Ann Arbor, and Benjamin Sturm of Pleasanton, CA; grandchildren Nicole, Patrick (Caroline), David, Victoria, Greta, Clara, Oliver, Samuel, and Noah; and sister Erika Ecker of Pattendorf, Germany. She was preceded in death by her brother Hubert Ecker.

A memorial service will be at 11:00am Friday, October 25th at Pigeon First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Leineke officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am Friday and continue until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to ‘United Women in Faith’ of Pigeon First United Methodist Church.