Sterling Standiford

Sterling J. Standiford passed away on February 11th, 2025 at the age of 86. Husband, father, mentor, public servant, but most importantly, Sterling understood the importance of lifelong friends.

Sterling was born on September 16, 1938, in rural Hillsboro, Wisconsin and attended a one room school before moving into the city. In his junior year, anew family farm was purchased near Tomah where Sterling finished high school. Instead of following farming life, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After basic training at Great Lakes, he served as an MP at Miramar AFB in Southern California where he had his first taco and saw Elvis. Although tempted to continue with his military career, he returned to Wisconsin to work in Milwaukee where he met his first lifelong friend, Duane (Duke) Marten also from the Tomah area (and best man at his wedding).

He continued his law enforcement career with the Tomah PD. He met and married Kay Louise Clay on March 24, 1962, where he gained his most important lifelong friend and love. After graduating from the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, Sterling was sent to Sauk County to work old Hwy 12 before the Interstate was completed.

Returning to Tomah, Sterling renewed another lifelong friend in Richard (Dick) Dana. Soon after an import from Detroit, Patrick (Pat) Levoir rounded out the gang: the Tomah Gang.

The Gang and their spouses were inseparable with bowling leagues, softball tournaments, fishing, hunting, and even throwing in on a couple of acres up North. Life wove them together through births, graduations, weddings and ceremonies. Sterling transferred to the State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy where he taught firearms safety and marksmanship to cadets.

The Tomah Gang was stressed, but did not break when Sterling accepted a position as Captain and the family moved to Eau Claire in 1980. Here he went from educator to administrator for most of Northern Wisconsin.

While in Eau Claire Sterling opened another book as a Mason with Sanctuary Lodge #347 and later served as the Master of the Lodge and Commander in Chief of the Scottish Rite Valley of Eau Claire. Sterling was elected and became a 33 Degree in 2002.

Sterling was a dutiful member serving the community not only in law enforcement, but as a vocal fundraiser and serving on the Board of Directors for the Children's Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin.

After retirement from the State Patrol, his public sector service did not end. Sterling went to work for Chippewa Valley Technical College in their criminal justice program mentoring the future of law enforcement and safety. After a second retirement, Sterling took great pride in working for Osseo Ford traveling for dealer transfers and driving for their fleet maintenance business. Through his work and volunteering, Sterling enjoyed his new grandchildren with Kay.

Sterling was the last man standing of the original Tomah Gang. One by one all fell, mostly spouses first, but eventually the old men. His only complaint, besides the Packers, was he outlived them all.

Sterling is survived by his sons Daniel Standiford and his joy Robin Martelli of Hugo, MN; Jon Standiford and his rock Jocelyn Standiford of Eau Claire; his grandchildren Allix Hayden (Brandon), Jared Standiford and Megan Standiford all of Eau Claire.

He was preceded in death by his parents Barnett Joy Standiford and Leona Elna (Gerwing) Standiford; sister Elaine Myers; and loving wife and joy of his life Kay (Clay) Standiford.

Services will be at the Masonic Temple at 616 Graham Ave, Eau Claire on Friday, March 7th with visitation from 3:00-5:00 and a short service beginning at 5:00. Light snacks and coffee will be provided. A cash bar will be available after the ceremony.

Donations in lieu of flowers in Sterling's memory can be made to the Children's Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin--a charity Sterling championed for many years--located within the Masonic Temple. The Dyslexia Center provides evaluations and tutoring free to all students.

Cremation Society. of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences maybe be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com