When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

The Sturino Funeral Home originally began as the Hanson Funeral Home, opened by A.C. Hanson in 1897. He had emigrated from Denmark making Racine, Wisconsin his home, and established the A.C.Hanson Furniture and Undertaking Company – probably never realizing the true impact and value this business would have for the community.
This catalog, furniture and undertaking business was on historic State Street in Racine into in the early 1900s. It was then that A.C. moved his ever growing business to 722 Lafayette Street, located at the corners of Lafayette and Liberty Street, later known as Memorial Drive.
In the 1920s, his son Steve joined him, making the business a father and son funeral home. In 1949, Steve's son, Edward "Bucky" joined the firm, which meant it became a third generation family business.

With his never ending vision for growth, Bucky purchased the Arthur and Margery Janes estate in 1972. In February of 1975 after an almost two-year expansion and remodel project, the Hanson Funeral Home opened its doors at this new location, 3014 Northwestern Avenue, located across from The Racine Country Club.
This major endeavor was to recognize and focus on the future needs of the ever-growing community, while still continuing to serve the present needs of those who called Racine “home.”

In 1989 Darryl Sturino joined Bucky Hanson and his two sons in the family business. On June 8th 2007 with Bucky's blessing and utmost confidence, Darryl along with his wife Jeana, purchased the Hanson Funeral Home.
They lovingly restored and renovated the facility. The Sturino Funeral Home offered their remodeled facility to the Racine Community. The Sturinos changed the name to reflect the new ownership, yet still carry on the Hanson tradition of dedicated and compassionate care and service, while reflecting and continuing the original commitment held by A.C. since 1897.
The Sturino Funeral Home is comfortably situated on almost two acres of serene and manicured lawn and pristine grounds, with ample green space and a gazebo for reflection and remembrance.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Darryl Sturino
Funeral Director & Owner
Darryl was born and raised in Kenosha, relocating to Racine in 1989 to pursue his career in funeral service.
He is a graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College with a degree in funeral service. Darryl holds funeral director and embalmer licenses in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is and has been an active member of National Funeral Directors Association, Southeastern Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, and has had the privilege of serving several terms as president.
In the community, Darryl is active in Rotary International and R.A.M.A.C. (Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce).
When not at the funeral home, Darryl can be found dabbling and trying to perfect his skills in woodworking (still a work in progress). When not doing either, he more than likely will be training for his next triathlon. Darryl has completed two full Ironman Triathlons; consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and finishing with a full marathon (26.2 mile run) which equals a total of 140.6 miles both occurring in Montreal Canada, placing 5th in his age group.
Most recently he completed the world renown "Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon" (40th anniversary), in San Francisco, California, "truly a bucket list triathlon".
Above all, Darryl enjoys spending time with his family, wife Jeana, three sons and three grandchildren.

David L. Herbst
Funeral Director
David was born in Kenosha and attended local schools, graduating from Reuther Central High School in 1994. While in high school he participated in a career program, which gave him the opportunity to shadow professionals in places where he thought he might be interested in finding a career. After he completed the first four-week term at a funeral home he sought to have the opportunity at another funeral home, which he did.
David’s parents were local business owners and he had an early realization of the value of good customer service.
During his senior year he was involved in a near fatal auto accident. With a broken neck, he spent the next three months in the hospital, followed by a year of physical therapy. This experience validated his desire to go back to school and pursue a career as a funeral director. With his understanding of the value of compassion and support and David’s innate desire to serve people, he enrolled in Gateway Technical College.
In 2001 he received his degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service at Milwaukee Area Technical College. While pursuing his degree, David was employed by a local funeral home in Kenosha for more than 8 years. Early on, as a part time employee and assistant, then serving as an apprentice funeral director, and finally as a licensed funeral director.
Shortly after graduation and receiving his Funeral Director’s License in 2002, he was offered a fulltime position with the Sturino Funeral Home formerly known as Hanson Funeral Home.
David will never hesitate to volunteer. He has volunteered for Racine Heritage Museum, Preservation Racine Annual Tour and Mound Cemetery “History Walking Tour.”
Darryl Sturino recently commented, “I am proud to have David as part of the Sturino Funeral Home staff. His attention to detail and personality has proven to be a great asset to our funeral home and a comfort to the families we serve.”
David maintains a close relationship with his family, friends and extended family. He loves to entertain and can’t resist a reason to have a get-together. He also loves to camp with his travel trailer. He has camped at many campgrounds throughout Wisconsin and the surrounding states. He always looks forward to his annual family camping trip, usually at Cliffside Campground in Caledonia, with as many as 40 people.

Daryle Sturino
Funeral Director
Daryle has been an employee at Sturino Funeral Home since 2020. He is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
In his free time, Daryle enjoys reading, and spending time with his wife and daughter. They currently live in downtown Racine.

Carol Schowalter
Director of Family Services
Born and raised in Racine I am the parent of three grown children and nine grandchildren. I truly value and appreciate family.
Over the years my professional accomplishments have always been focused on positive communication with people. I care, listen and desire to know you.
As the Director of Family Services, I specialize in organizing your important decision to plan and pre-arrange the event that will celebrate your memory in the lives that carry on.
It is my pleasure to represent Sturino Funeral Home with integrity, discretion and personal commitment.
Please call with any questions you may have. I can be reached at the funeral home 262-632-4479, cell phone 414-690-7115 or by e-mail [email protected]

Marina Donaldson
Office Manager
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