Obituary: Jerry I. Sherman

by Jim Dittmann
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Jerry I. Sherman died October 12, 2014 at Agrace Hospice in Madison surrounded by the love of his family and the angels of the Agrace staff.

Jerry was born at Stillwater, Minnesota, on October 8, 1919 to Irvin and Laura (Melby) Sherman.  Following his father’s death in 1921, Jerry was entrusted to the care of his uncle and aunt, Melvin and Margaret Melby.   He learned the boatbuilding trade from Melvin, and became an accomplished builder of wooden boats. Jerry graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1937.  He married Betty L. Bateman on August 22, 1942.  After service during World War II, he completed an apprenticeship and became a journeyman carpenter.  Jerry and Betty raised their three children in Chippewa Falls, and opened their home to their nephews, Bob, Dick, and niece Niki Boelter in 1959. They moved to Neshkoro in 1966 to work for the Evangelical United Brethren Church (later the United Methodist Church) at Camp Lucerne.  They worked and lived at Camp Lucerne for nearly thirty years before settling into retirement at Beaver Dam.  Jerry had a strong faith in the essential goodness of all in God’s creation which manifested itself in a desire to be of service to others, a generous spirit, a warm smile and easy laugh, and a liberal outlook.

Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Lavyne Boelter and June La Breck. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 72 years, a son Bradley (Jean), and daughters Margaret Sherman and Jane Klapoetke (Dennis).  He is further survived by his grandchildren Paul, Amy, Eric, Christopher, and Sara; his great-grandchildren Jonathan, Bethany, Carter, Tony, Pearl, and Indigo and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace, especially Dr. Kingsley and Dr. Berger, for their compassionate care of Jerry and the family.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 308 Oneida St. Beaver Dam, WI on Friday October 24, 2014, Pastor Jeff Nicholas presiding.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.  The service will begin at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow.

Burial will be at the Bateman Cemetery, Lafayette Township, Chippewa County, WI.

Memorials may be made to the Youth Lodge at Lake Lucerne Camp and Retreat Center or Agrace Hospice Care.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com

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