On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following a brief illness, Redemptorist Father Albert Sterzer, CSsR, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.

Father Albert was born in East Kildonan, Manitoba, the youngest child of Lawrence and Helen (née Koett) Sterzer. After attending the Redemptorist minor seminary in Brockville, ON, he went on to Novitiate and made his first profession of vows on September 15, 1956. He did his theological studies in Woodstock, Windsor, and Gars am Inn (Germany) and was ordained a priest on June 23, 1963. He later completed an MA in Sociology at Notre Dame University (South Bend, Indiana) in 1964.

Following ordination, Father Albert worked in a variety of ministries, particularly parishes in Grande Prairie, AB, Calgary, AB, Winnipeg, MB, St. John’s, NL, and Saint John, NB. He also worked in vocations and mission preaching and, for five years, was a professor of sociology at St. Thomas More College (Saskatoon, SK). In 1978, Father Albert was elected Provincial Superior of the Edmonton Province, a position he held until 1984.

Upon retiring in 2006, Father Albert returned to Grande Prairie, where he continued to offer pastoral assistance. As a result of declining health, he withdrew from ministry, but continued to be a prayerful presence in the Redemptorist community. Eventually, he moved to the Grande Prairie Care Centre, where he lived until his passing.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Helen Sterzer, and his five older siblings. He leaves to mourn numerous nieces, nephews, and his Redemptorist confreres.

Prayers and viewing will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St). The funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow in Tranquille Hall at the church. Interment will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Edmonton, AB (14611 Mark Messier Trail).

For those who cannot attend in person, the funeral mass will be livestreamed. The link will be available 5 minutes prior to the mass.

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.