Dr. Ambrose Melvin Sterr

Ambrose Melvin Sterr, D.D.S., Wrightstown, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, May 1st, at the age of 95. Ambrose was born to the late Melvin and Mary Sterr in Lomira, WI in 1918. Ambrose earned his doctorate of dental surgery at Marquette University in 1942, and went on to serve as an officer in the Unites States Army during World War II from 1942-1946, reaching the rank of Major. Ambrose served as a dentist in the Army, being part of the Y-Force, 22nd Field Hospital attached to the Chinese Expeditionary Force, serving as Chief of dental services during the Salween Campaign and China-Burma-India Campaign. He was awarded the Army Bronze Star for his service with the Y-Force. Ambrose left the Army in 1946, and married his high school sweetheart Lois Scheer. They went on to have 8 children. Ambrose set up his dental practice in De Pere, WI, where he practiced for over 40 years. He was very active with the De Pere Rotary Club, serving as president in 1955, a Paul Harris Fellow, and was district governor of Rotary International’s District 622 from 1976-77. Stemming from his experience during WWII, he always held a special interest in activities promoting international goodwill. In 1981, Ambrose spent 6 weeks on the island of Palawan in the Philippines with his son John providing dental care at an Indochinese refugee camp run by the United Nations. In 1983, Ambrose was awarded the 16th annual Silver Knight Award, having been nominated by local service and community organizations for his contributions to De Pere. He also was a past member of the American Legion, the De Pere Board of Health, the De Pere historical society, the De Pere Chamber of Commerce, and the Knights of Columbus. Ambrose is also a past president of the Wisconsin Dental Association. Ambrose is survived by Lois, his loving wife of 68 years, and their children: William and Jo an Sterr of Washington, Thomas and Gloria Sterr of Green Bay, James and Barbara Sterr of Green Bay, John Sterr of Lakewood, Jennifer and Dean Dinnocenzo of Green Bay, Lisa Sterr and Sherri Brandenburg of Green Bay and Marcia and Dennis Marcks of Pulaski. He is also survived by one brother, Thomas Sterr of Arkansas, 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Ambrose was very proud of his family, his profession and commitment to society. He was an avid golfer most of his life, and loved to spend time at the cabin surrounded by his family. Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard Sterr, and two brothers: Roger and Gerald Sterr. Family and friends may visit at St. Clare Parish-St. Paul Site, Wrightstown, on Monday, May 5, from 2:00pm until 4:45pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00pm Monday, at the church, with the Rev. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating and Deacon Ken Kabat assisting. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com