John G. Sherman

John Sherman of Howard, SD passed away at Howard Good Samaritan Center on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the age of 96.
John George Sherman was born February 3, 1929, at his family farm home north of Howard to Albert and Ethel (Olson) Sherman. He attended area schools graduating from Howard High School in 1948. He enlisted to active duty in the United States Navy on January 31, 1951. On leave, he and the love of his life, O. JoAnn Stalheim, were married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Howard on September 20, 1951. John served on the U.S.S. Yorktown based out of Bremerton, Washington. During his nine months at sea, JoAnn and infant son, Gary, lived in Washington. He was discharged on July 2, 1953, and they returned to Howard and made it their lifelong home. In 2023, he was awarded a 70-year Certificate of Continuous Membership in the American Legion.
Gary was joined by brothers Randy, Tom, and Roger. They moved to their acreage north of Howard in 1967. John and JoAnn were partners in business as well as life operating trucking businesses and feed sales. He worked with his sons through these businesses, and all were taught truck driving skills at an early age.
John was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with them and friends. He and JoAnn were members of the Holiday Ramblers Motorhome group travelling to many destinations. Several generations of the Sherman family treasures memories of the annual "Hobo Feed" sharing the special meal, recreation, and bonfires at the Sherman farm. John is fondly remembered for his big, friendly smile and a laugh that often left him breathless.
Grateful for having John in their lives are his sons, Gary (Yo) Sherman of Salem, SD, Randy (Marcia) Sherman of Howard, SD, Roger (Carol) Sherman of Tea, SD. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Feldhaus, of Howard and sisters-in-law, Lila Kaufman of Howard and Janet Sherman, Sioux Falls. John's grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Mike (Kayla) Sherman and children, Jaxon and Addison of Toronto, SD, Laura Sherman (Eric Campbell) of Hendricks, MN, Tami (Dustin) Addy and children Maria, Aliza, Felicia and Tobias of Canistota, SD, great-granddaughters Katie, Kacy, Kamryn and Brooke Sherman of Watertown, SD, Shauna (Mitch) Jacobs and children Burken and Tenley of Sioux Falls, SD, Jenny (Travis) Bruinsma and children Brantley, Hattie and Wesson of Sioux Falls, SD, Rachel Sherman of Sioux Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife JoAnn in 2018, son Tom Sherman, grandson Tim Sherman, great-grandson Levi Addy, brothers R. Dean Sherman, Leon Sherman, sister D. Eileen Clark.
Visitation will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, with a brief prayer service at 6:45pm. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Inurnment with Military Honors will be at Graceland Cemetery, Howard, SD. The service will be livestreamed on the church Facebook page.
www.willoughbyfh.com
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