Kurt Thompson von Sternberg, 62

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Kurt von Sternberg was born Aug. 11, 1958, to Millicent and Carl von Sternberg in Council Bluffs. Kurt was taken suddenly from us on April 2, 2021, along with his dog Alonzo. Kurt grew up in Council Bluffs, raised by his mother Millicent, long time Bloomer kindergarten teacher, and his grandmother Truel Thompson. Kurt attended Bloomer, Kirn, and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1976. Kurt went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1980, with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Kurt began his landscape design career in Washington DC-Virginia and was recognized nationally for his projects. Kurt returned to Omaha, Neb. to work for the Army Corp of Engineers and managed major projects throughout the western US. Kurt was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He was honored at ISU for his work. Kurt served on the board of directors of Allen Corporation.

Kurt hit the lottery when he married Debra Bertelsen! Her family became his, granting him a circle of family and love. Kurt was an artist, avid golfer, and accomplished musician with the ability to proficiently play multiple instruments, in bands and for friends. Kurt, Deb, and friends could light up the room with their music. Kurt had multiple music influences. First he was a Dead Head, lifelong lover of the Grateful Dead! Enjoyed Dylan, John Prine, Willie Nelson and all music genres.

Kurt was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Millie von Sternberg and brother Paul von Sternberg, and father-in-law Donald Bertelsen.

Kurt is survived by his wife and soul mate, band member and lead singer Debra von Sternberg, brother Mark (Lisa) von Sternberg of Mercersburg, Pa.; Sisters Leanna von Sternberg (Ryan) Kehoe of Franklin, Tenn. and Allena von Sternberg (Mark) Kindrachuk of New York City, N.Y.; sons Josh Stone; Jake (Kathy) Stone; daughter Molly (Mike) Newman. Grandchildren Casey, Kalen, Karoline, Jay and Willy; mother-in-law Loretta Bertelsen; nieces and nephews which he adored. Kurt is also survived by a large group of Council Bluffs families that have been lifelong pals.

Services & Celebration of life are pending at Cutler-O’Neil-Meyer Funeral Home.

Memorials should be directed to the family.