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BORN
1932
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Ralph Sherman Obituary
Born: December 11, 1932
Died: May 19, 2023
Ralph Sherman, Sr., 90, died on Friday, May 19, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Charismatic, personable, entertaining and helpful; a wonderful talent, human and friend; one of the greatest men I've ever known; his story is one of respect, responsibility and endurance through life's ups and downs; a man with a true love of and by his family.
These were but a few of the sentiments expressed following the passing of Ralph, in the presence of his family at the home of his son, Ralph Jr.
Born in Chicago on December 11, 1932, Ralph began a 10-year career in the Marines in 1950. He served in Korea, followed by stints as a Drill Instructor, Marine Corp Honor Guard and as a Recruiter, the role that brought him to Will County.
Ralph's post-military career included many roles behind the microphone at radio stations across the Midwest and nationally at the newly formed Satellite Music Network. He also enjoyed success in radio station management including WJOL, WJRC, WLBK AND WDEK and as the Publisher of the DeKalb County Journal and the DeKalb Press.
Perhaps the most appreciated aspect of personal history was his nearly life-long career as a stand-up comedian, entertainer and Master of Ceremonies. Ralph shared his talents all over the country with audiences big and small. Many of those performances took place during Kiwanis Shows in Joliet and DeKalb, two clubs to which he contributed countless hours as an active member and his leadership as President of both clubs.
Never one to act his age, Ralph was an avid golfer and enjoyed the fellowship of a monthly poker group and weekly Kiwanis meetings.
Loved by his wife of 70 years, Lani; his daughters Dene't (George ) Honiotes and Christi (Don) Cameron; his son Ralph Jr (fiancé Marci); his grandchildren Aretese, Taylor, Alison, Jordyn, Nicholas and Sydney; his great-grandchildren George, Alana, Hans, Amarie, Fo'toula and a soon-to-be great-grandson; and his golden retriever Beckett.
A private family memorial will be followed by a public ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Huff Rd, Elwood, IL on June 1, 2023 at 2:30 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Ralph's life Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Ralph Jr.'s home, 303 Greenwood Acres, DeKalb, IL 60115, from 2:00pm-5:00pm.
The family would appreciate donations in Ralph's name to Northern Illinois Hospice, northernillinoishospice.org in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.
To sign the on-line guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Sherman
Sponsored by Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore.
John Reim, 8th & I Marine, 1958-1961
January 22, 2025
TO THE LOVING MEMBERS OF RALPH'S WONDERFUL FAMILY, PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES. RALPH WAS SPECIAL AND HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM! DURING THE YEARS OF 1955-1957, RALPH WAS STATIONED AT THE MARINE BARRACKS, 8TH & I STREETS, S.E., WASHINGTON, DC (THE OLDEST ACTIVE POST IN THE MARINE CORPS AND A PRESTIGIOUS ASSIGNMENT FOR MARINES). THERE, HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE BARRACKS DETACHMENT / CEREMONIAL GUARD COMPANY, SILENT DRILL PLATOON. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIS 8TH & I ASSIGNMENT, PLEASE VISIT www.8thandi.com. REST IN PEACE, RALPH! WELL DONE, MARINE! GOD BLESS THE SHERMAN FAMILY! ....
JOHN T. REIM, 8TH & I MARINE, CEREMONIAL GUARD COMPANY, SILENT DRILL PLATOON, 1958-1961, FRANKLINVILLE, NJ "SEMPER FIDELIS"
Mike Hellyer
November 26, 2023
My late father, Art Hellyer, had the best friend and colleague in Ralph Sherman that anyone could ask for, and it seems appropriate at this year´s Thanksgiving especially to both express condolences to Ralph´s family for their loss this year, as well as to express thanks for Ralph being such a great friend to my Dad. Ralph was my Dad´s station manager several times, colleague on-air and at Joliet stage performances, and devoted friend - such a big part of my Dad´s day-to-day life and being there those (many) times my Dad really needed a friend. To Ralph´s family, my sympathy on your loss, and know that our family truly appreciates what an amazing person and friend Ralph was, and how deeply he touched and helped those around him. Truly a life well lived, filled with love that carries on. Best wishes to you.
Vince Schmidt
August 12, 2023
I am heartbroken to hear that my friend and confidant has left us. The world is a better place because of Ralph. His approach to life, humor and integrity in all he accomplish inspires me to this day and forward.
I will miss our conversations and lunch´s at Thayers.
I am a better person because of our friendship. Thank you Ralph.
My condolences to the entire Sherman family.
Vince Schmidt -Glendale, Arizona
Scott Hurula
June 2, 2023
When I first moved to Joliet a few years ago, Ralph made me feel right at home in the Kiwanis Club! His genuine love for life shone through in every interaction I was blessed to have with him! He will be greatly missed and we are all better for having known him! I'm praying for his loved ones in their grief and loss, and trusting that their rich treasure trove of memories of Ralph will bring them comfort and strength! Well done, my friend! Rest in peace!
Katie Pheanis
June 1, 2023
Growing up with Christi gave me a grand opportunity to know Mr. Sherman. He always had a smile on his face and was so kind to us as teenagers. He knew many people and his friendships were many. The Sherman family is a model for happiness and Ralph will be missed. Peace be with all of you.
Stephan Japuntich
May 27, 2023
Ralph and Sherman family: May he rest in peace.
Mark Karner
May 26, 2023
Jane and I send our most sincere condolences on the passing of Ralph. He was a good friend! One of Ralph´s great qualities was a connector with and of people. I met Ralph through my Dad more than 30 years ago. Ralph gave me my first on-air opportunity to be interviewed of the radio, later he got me involved with the Kiwanis Club of Joliet and then invited me into his monthly poker group. I valued Ralph´s friendship and all the good people he put me in contact with. My heart is sad and heavy at the loss of my friend. Lani to you and your family focus on all the great memories and stay strong.
Mark Rich
May 25, 2023
Ralph, l´m so sorry for your loss. Prayers sent to you and your family.
James Skiotes
May 24, 2023
My heart felt condolences to the family and friends of Ralph.
Jim Skiotes, Queen Creek, Arizona
Susan Elaine Shetina
May 24, 2023
My heart is broken. Ralph was such a good friend to Joe especially when he was so ill, and to me when I needed help during that time and after. My love and tears go out to all of the family. Love all of you.
Valerie Powley
May 23, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing, he was such an amazing person and my dad (Ron Baxley) absolutely loved working with him. He has many stories of the fun they had together and he loved and respected Ralph. My deepest condolences to his family.
Barbara Nasharr
May 23, 2023
My deepest Condolences on the passing of Ralph. Your Husband, Father, & Grandfather!
Love, Barbara Nasharr
Jim Brady
May 23, 2023
Deepest sympathy. Loved that guy!
Talk to you when we return from abroad.
Love, Jim Brady
John Reiplinger
May 23, 2023
Lani, Ralph Jr, Dene’t , Christi & other family members -- First of all, I extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of my dear friend, Ralph Sherman. I cannot nor will I try to match or outdo the many accolades and sincere tributes of so many of us who were affected by knowing Ralph. My time with Ralph was spent at WLBK Radio. What I knew of Ralph included that he never exhibited having a bad day. His positive can-do attitude about life itself was infectious and a trait that was easily absorbed by any of us who had continuing association with him. To quote a time-honored cliché, Ralph really was bigger than life itself. And he “wore it” well..along with a necktie that only came in one color, WHITE. In his mind all neckties were always white. I have too many stories for this venue, but I will miss my friend, Ralph Sherman, Sr. Thank you for your service, Semper Fi! And thank you for just being you. Bless you Ralph.
Doug Thompson
May 23, 2023
Lani, & Family,
My sincere condolences, Sr. was one of a kind, & will truly be missed.
Doug, & Amy.
Stuart Pearson
May 23, 2023
I enjoyed sharing time with you at Joliet Federal Savings & Loan Assoc.
Margot Burchard
May 23, 2023
Ralph, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to the family.
Jim Connors
May 23, 2023
One of the Greatest
Jerry Halasz
May 23, 2023
Ralph and I worked together at both WJOL and WLBK. He set the bar for radio sales and actually being on the air. He has forgotten more than most people will ever know about radio and entertainment. He was my mentor, boss, and friend. I know of no one who can say a bad word about Ralph Sherman, Sr. May G-d bless his entire family and may his memory be only for a blessing. Jerry & Maxine Halasz, Dayton, Ohio.
John Davis
May 23, 2023
Ralph was quick witted and a joy to have at our Kiwanis table. His work ethic and integrity were unmatched in today's world. He was respected by all that knew him and there were a lot of us. He excelled in many business professions and was still working until the end.
The World lost a gentle giant this week and he will be missed by all his friends and family.
John Davis
paul miller
May 23, 2023
to the sherman family:my deepest sympathy on mr. sherman's passing.he was always very nice to me thruout the 55+ years i knew him(and i was a character).a gentleman and good man. friend of my father who thought a lot of him also.please take care all.we lost another good one. sincerely, paul "adolph" miller
Mickey Johnson
May 23, 2023
Ralph ,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a wonderful person. Heard him MC many banquets over the years and he was a very good speaker and joke teller.
May God Bless your entire family in this most difficult time.
Mickey Johnson
Marlene (Boe) Story
May 23, 2023
As a girl in high school in the 1960's, I was privileged to perform in Kiwanis shows, one of which is most memorable, the one with Ralph Sherman. I was a toy soldier in the scene with him, and he instructed me in a routine guaranteed to get a laugh. When I think of him, I recall his being friendly, warm, talented, and funny. I pray God comforts his loved ones during this sad time. Ralph left the world better than he found it and his was a life well lived. May he rest in peace.
Les Smith
May 23, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I didn't meet Ralph Senior, but he leaves a great legacy behind in Ralph Junior. May peace be with your entire family at this time.
Cheryl Nolden
May 23, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dave Kuschman
May 23, 2023
Much love and respect to you and your family Ralph. You're a chip off the old block! Hope to see you at the lake.
Duane and Annette Siebert
May 23, 2023
Our family enjoyed being across the street neighbors of the Sherman clan/fam for many, many years on Margaret Lane (I'm not certain the feeling was necessarily mutual toward me since as a pre-teens and teenage males, Bill Webber and I did tear up and down the street on mini-bikes, go-carts and cars...) Always one to smile and wave he was more than our friendly neighbor, he was a gift, a legend in DeKalb. Annette and I will keep all of his family in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi (my father was a fellow Marine), Ralph. RIP. P.S. We always liked his "Journal" better than the "Chronicle"!
Charles Meyerson
May 22, 2023
Mr. Sherman was a kind and generous man whose legacy includes many words of support for my work—not to mention a wonderful son who was himself a gracious boss to me. His memory blesses us all.
Debbie Denson
May 22, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I am Art Hellyer’s daughter, Debbie. Mr. Sherman was a wonderful and devoted friend to my dad. We are deeply saddened but know there’s a great radio show going on up in Heaven.
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