Sterling Warren Hygema, 63, formerly of Valparaiso, died Dec. 22, 2006, in Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Shreveport, La., after a brief battle with pneumonia.

He was born Sept. 3, 1943, in Warsaw, to Warren and Mary Hygema.  He is survived by his former wife, Lavoyn Hygema.

He was a 1961 Warsaw High School graduate and served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-64.  Moving to Valparaiso in 1978, he worked for several trucking companies before retiring from Steel Transport in September 2005, and moved to Sibley, La.  He and his family became a foster family in 1981.

Also surviving are four children:  Mrs. Kenny (Twyla) Krooswyk and Chris Handing, both of Valparaiso; Nelson Hygema, Indianapolis; and Sheena Pilipovic, Portage; and eight grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a sister.

There was a graveside service in Lane Memorial Cemetery, Sibley, La.