Dennis Lynn Sturm's courageous battle with cancer ended on August 19, 2014, with his loving family by his side. His journey of Courage, Love and Faith will continue to serve as an inspiration to all. He was born April 17, 1963 in Oxnard, CA to Ralph and Donna Lang Sturm. He had received his BA in Special Education from Marietta College in 1985 and his Masters from Marygrove College in Michigan. Dennis was a teacher at Warren High School for 28 years, and worked for Carvers Plumbing and Electric on his summer breaks. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Williamstown, where he and his wife were leaders in the Vine Youth Group and they taught Children's Sunday School. He was an avid mountain bike rider, and enjoyed watching and coaching his children play all sorts of sports and was an OSU Buckeye fan. He had played baseball for many years, including for the Legion team, Marietta College, and his church team. Dennis had coached girls varsity track and boys varsity baseball while teaching at Warren. In 2007 he received the award for Special Education Teacher of the Year. Dennis is survived by his wife, Jennifer Miracle Sturm, they were married on June 15, 1985, also by his parents of Marietta, two children, Alyssa McIntire (Aron) of Marietta, Dillon Sturm (Reanna Dillon) of Marietta, three brothers, Rick (Janet) of Marietta, Randy (Missy) of Williamstown and Doug (Leanne) of Parkersburg, parents in law, Elvin and Mary Miracle of Marietta, brothers in law, Bruce Miracle (Lori Wine) of Parkersburg, and Sam Miracle (Amy Jo) of Marietta, also several nieces and nephews, including his godson, Ty Sturm. Also to be remembered are his special dogs, Casey, Ginger and Nurse Lilly. Preceded in death by his grandparents and a nephew. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at the First Baptist Church of Williamstown, with Pastor Cody Parman officiating. Dennis' visitation will also be at his church on Friday from noon until 8 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Williamstown. Donations may be made to benefit Dennis Sturm, for his children's education, c/o Peoples Bank, P.O. Box 738, Marietta, Ohio 45750, or to the Humane Society, P.O. Box 5, Marietta. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kelli Cawley and Dr. Robert Cavaliere and their staffs.
