Sturgis Materials, Inc. in Kansas City, KS marks its 70th year in business, of which 35 have been under the ownership of Marc Lonesk and Ed Walsh.  The company was purchased Sept. 17, 1976 from Ellen Sturgis, widow of Marvin Sturgis, the original founder.  Sturgis Sand and Materials began operations in 1942 and was owned and operated by Mr. Sturgis until his passing in 1976.

The company's product line includes natural stone products, sand and gravel, and other specialized building materials related to stone and sand used for construction.

The original building at 550 South Packard is still used by the company's stone fabrication division, but the sales personnel and product showroom occupy the former Rock Island Railroad building, located just a few hundred feet east of the building.  That property, acquired 12 years ago, encompasses almost 30,000 sf of office and warehouse space on approximately 10 acres.
Since its founding, Sturgis Materials weathered two floods (1951 and 1993) and operated during the terms of 13 United States presidents, but only two owners have been at its helm.     
Company President Marc Lonesk said, "I am enormously proud of what we have accomplished and of our people who have helped to make it happen.  I am also extremely thankful to the people and relationships that we have created.  These relationships have been integral to weathering the economic downturn of the past three years.  It is my goal to make Sturgis Materials ready for the next 35 years and to help our friends along the way.  We do believe that Marvin Sturgis would be proud of what he started 70 years ago."

Marc Lonesk

Ed Walsh