William “Bill” E. Sherman, 84 of Eau Claire died on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Dove Healthcare West.
Bill was born on June 30, 1931 to Enoch and Anna (Reick) Sherman at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Bill came from a family with three sisters, he being the number three in birth order. He went to Longfellow grade school and graduated from Eau Claire High School in May of 1949. He married Mary C. Johnson on June 30, 1956. They had two children and one grandson, Jordan who is getting married in September. Bill loved being Jordan’s grandpa and they shared many adventures together.
Bill’s first job was delivering papers. For delivering papers he would get a free bus pass. He started his career doing roofing and concrete work. His next 38 years were spent working at Uniroyal before retirement. One highlight of his life was doing a road trip with classmates right out of high school. They drove jalopies to Seattle and back with many stops to fix the cars. Most of his friends still stopped by to have coffee with Bill every Wednesday. Bill’s friends who visit include Bob Westberg, Jack Flynn, Clarence Sprague, Greg Devine, Lowell Green, and Frank Bartosh. Mary and Bill have done a lot of traveling, a few places were California, New England, Florida, and all over out West. Bill liked to read a lot, especially mysteries. He was an excellent cook, and his specialties were chili, stews, and hot beefs. Bill also liked to garden, listen to music, and was an avid fisherman.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary C. Sherman; daughter, Beth A. Sherman; son, Chris A. (Kathy) Sherman; grandson, Jordan D. Sherman (Ashley Whitcomb); sister, Carol Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Jerry (Jane) Johnson and Tom (Sandy) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Enoch and Anna Sherman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hjalmer M. and Caryl Johnson; sisters, Lois Soley and Bevalyn Jacot; and brother-in-law, Arnie Anderson.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Dove Heathcare-South and West for their care and attention. The CNAs were especially dedicated to Bill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 East Half Moon Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703; L.E. Phillip’s Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701; or the Salvation Army, 2211 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 11:00 am at Lake Street United Methodist Church with Pastor Cherie Forret officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.
Mary and family, I was so sorry to hear about Bill. I was out of town and I don’t get the paper. My brother came up today and told me. I had just gotten together with Jane last week and asked about him. He was a special person with a great sense of humor. Mom and dad really enjoyed his visits. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all Trudy
My most sincere condolences on the passing of “Bill”. What a gem he was. It was a pleasure getting to meet and interact with the entire family all those years. My heartfelt sympathy at your loss, Dear Sherman’s. Love you all!
Suzanne Michels