STEELEVILLE– Patricia M. Sternberg, 71, formerly of Steeleville, IL, passed away at 10 am, Monday, May 18, 2026, at her home in Springfield, Missouri.

Pat was born November 5, 1954, in Chester, IL to Howard and Maydell Ernsting. She attended High School in Steeleville, IL. She married Jim Sternberg on November 9, 1973, at Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville, IL. She attended and worked at Southern Illinois University/Carbondale as a Computer Programmer and received a Bachelor of Science degree. She moved to Missouri in 1989, where she worked for the University of Missouri/Columbia as an Academic Advisor until retiring in 2017. She then moved to Springfield, MO to be close to her grandchildren. She volunteered as a girl scout leader and as a member of the University Extension Service. She was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nixa, MO, where she played in the bell choir. She enjoyed walking in the park with her husband and dog Charlie; she also enjoyed traveling. She was a part of a weekly lunch group in Springfield called The Friday 5. She and her husband were members of the Show Me T's Model T Club in the Springfield area.

She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Ernsting and her brother, Marcus Ernsting.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Sternberg, their daughter Jill Brock and son Chris (Amelia) Sternberg and grandchildren, Maggie Brock and Sadie Brock, her mother, Maydell Ernsting, her sister, Melissa Gilhooly and her sister-in-law, Patty Ernsting.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Nixa Redeemer Lutheran Church/Preschool and or The American Cancer Society and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 11:00 am, at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, with Pastor Deb Rathert officiating. Burial to follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday morning, May 26, 2026, where friends may call from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.