Sherri Lynn McCarty

Sherri Lynn McCarty, age 70, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at her home. Sherri was born on August 14, 1954, in Austin, Minnesota to Phyllis and Leonard. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1972. She later met the love of her life, Mike, in Ft. Myers, Florida, while on vacation. Two weeks later, he proposed, and they were married until his passing in 1998. Sherri and Mike built a life full of adventure, living in many places including Michigan, Hawaii, and California. In her younger years, Sherri was a manager in retail and enjoyed sharing her memories about it.

Sherri was independent and strong-spirited. She fiercely loved and protected her family. She inspired those around her to stand tall, speak up, and care for themselves and others with the same unwavering devotion. She loved caring for her two dogs, tending to her many plants and flowers, and filling her home with bright, joyful colors. Sherri was deeply devoted to her great-grandchildren and their sports. She was their biggest fan, always dressed head to toe in their team gear and cheering them on at every game or dance recital. Holidays were especially dear to Sherri. She and Mike celebrated each one with creativity and heart, especially in their younger years. They made every occasion feel magical, and the traditions they started continue to live on through their children and grandchildren.

Sherri is survived by her children, Michael Jr. McCarty of Flushing, Michigan, Mikei (AJ) Peterson of Austin, and Shay (Heather) McCarty of Onalaska, Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren, Meghann, Emily (Daniel), Lilei, Michaela (Cody), Emilei (Dom), Hannah (Junior), Brenna, Elijah, Michael, Xander, and Natalei; 9 great-grandchildren, Everly, Wyatt, Wesley, Quincy, Jonah, Oakley, Nola, Kepler, and Leighton; siblings, Leanne Rand, Jeanette Slavik, Judy (Steve) Tabor, Patti Lang, Lenny (Becky) Miller, Phillip (Joanne) Miller; sister-in-law, Lori Miller; very good friend, Rick Johnson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike McCarty in 1998; mom, Phyllis (Pete) Petersen; dad, Leonard Miller; brother, Eddie Miller; nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Sherri will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, with a brief prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please wear bright colors to Sherri’s celebration of life. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to local sports organizations like Park and Rec, Marcusen Park, Austin Stars, and Austin High School Baseball. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.