Dale Gary Sterba

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dale Gary Sterba on March15, 2025, at the age of 75 in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Dale was born on January 28, 1950, in Blairmore, Alberta, but spent most of his life in nearby Bellevue, Alberta where he was well known in the community.

Dale’s work life was diverse and dynamic. He began his career at a young age as a local milkman, then went on to serve as a Tool Push on the oil rigs. His love for hands-on work led him to establish his own excavation business, where he worked closely with TransAlta Utilities and Calgary Power for many years. Later, Dale provided critical water services to oil drilling operations and eventually took over the Lundbreck Hotel. For 15 years, Dale poured his heart into the hotel, transforming it into one of the most successful establishments in small-town Alberta. In its prime, the Lundbreck Hotel was a place of laughter, camaraderie, cold beer, and lively country music—always with Dale buying a round, offering some of his famous home-cooked meals and founded the Annual Lundbreck Hotel Toy Run with all proceeds going to the local Women’s Resource Centres.

Dale had a deep connection to Kalispell, Montana, where he spent many cherished moments with his parents. His trips to Kalispell were filled with fond memories, like returning home with half-priced buckets of double bubble gum. He loved taking drives over the Road to the Sun-Logan Pass, visiting the local saloons, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. Dale shared his love for Kalispell with his wife, Sharon, and their two sons, Clint, and Craig.

In addition to his professional and family life, Dale had a passion for collector cars, meticulously restoring and maintaining them to mint condition. His prized collection included Chrysler Chargers, a Model T Ford, and several Thunderbirds—including the very same T-Bird driven by Suzanne Somers in American Grafti.

Dale will be lovingly remembered by his son Clint Sterba, and his partner, Shelley Chmil, his dear lifelong friends Kaydee Derenzo, Janny Robertson, Byron Voytko, Steve Sapeta, Johnny Dykstra, Elaine Boyd and many from the surrounding Colonies. He is predeceased by his loving wife Sharon Sterba (Cartwright), his son Craig Sterba, his lifelong friend Roy “Junior” Lazzarotto, and his parents Ludwig and Annie Sterba.

Dale touched the lives of so many with his generosity, work ethic, and genuine care for others. His legacy will live on in the countless memories and friendships he leaves behind.

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