Marianne Hafner Sterl, 86, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907.

Marianne was born on February 6, 1940, in Gelnhausen, Germany, to the late Friedrich Hafner and Lina Breidenbach Hafner. She grew up in Germany during the years following World War II. As a young woman, she studied office management and bookkeeping before joining her father in the family business.

During this time, she met a young U.S. Army soldier, Andrew Sterl. The two soon married and eventually settled in Columbus, Georgia. Determined and hardworking, Marianne learned English and went on to hold a variety of jobs throughout her career. Her kindness, compassion, and warm personality allowed her to develop many lifelong friendships.

Above all, Marianne was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a woman deeply committed to her family. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and the love she shared with those around her.

In addition to her parents, Marianne was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Andrew Sterl, and her brother, Heinz Hafner.

She is survived by her sons, Karsten Sterl (Laura) of Columbus, Georgia, and Chris Sterl of Ringgold, Georgia; her grandchildren, Michael Sterl, Allie Sterl, Annasten Sterl, Kelli Sterl, and Gabrielle Kennedy; her sister-in-law, Christa Hafner; and her nephew, Frank Hafner, both of Germany.