Obit: Sherman, Harvey R. (1916 - 2007)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sherman, Sollberger, Laager, Poertner, Johnson, Domenosky, Marg

----Sources: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) July 18, 2007

Sherman, Harvey R. (July 30, 1916 - July 15, 2007)

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Harvey R. Sherman, age 90, of Merrillan died Sunday, July 15, 2007, at his residence.

Harvey was born July 30, 1916, in Merrillan to parents Leslie and Bertha (Sollberger) Sherman.

After graduating from high school, he served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He married Bertha Laager Poertner July 27, 1969, in Neillsville, and she preceded him in death July 19, 1986.

He worked at Uniroyal as a tire assembler and lived in Altoona until retiring and moving back to Merrillan.

During his marriage, Harvey enjoyed traveling and going to dances, and he also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. As a young man, he enjoyed roller skating and playing the violin. He was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was a friend to all who knew him, and his keen memory made him a wonderful historian of Jackson County.

Harvey loved to tell stories of his life, and his experiences during World War II were no exception. Before entering the service, his parents gave him a twenty-dollar bill in case he needed money. He never spent it and kept it folded in his wallet until the day he died. He enjoyed taking that bill out many times to show his friends and family. When he was in England, he saw the future Queen Elizabeth in a parade and remarked that she was "quite a good lookin’ young lady." He was very surprised to find out that she would be the future Queen. During his life, Harvey saw a lot of places in the world, but he always told people that seeing the Statue of Liberty when coming into New York from being overseas for so long ws the prettiest sight he had ever seen. He also said that, although he saw a lot of the world, he wouldn’t want anyone to see it the way he did during the war.

Anyone that knew Harvey knew of his love for animals. He didn’t have his own pets but looked after all the neighbor’s pets for many years. Jitters and Jinny Johnson, neighbors of Harvey’s, owned a horse named "Lightning." The entire village of Merrillan loved that horse and fed him as they walked by. No one loved him quite like Harvey though. Harvey would feed Lightning potatoes or apples every day, and Lightning’s death was very difficult for Harvey. Lightning was buried on Harvey’s pastureland. Tiger, a cat belonging to Lori and Dan Domenosky, neighbors and friends of Harvey’s, would walk over to Harvey’s every morning and wait at his doorstep for him to come out and give him a special treat. One morning, Harvey slept in and Tiger grew tired of waiting for him and left. Harvey felt so badly about missing Tiger, but he was ready and waiting for Tiger the next morning and was very relieved to find that Tiger had forgiven him.

Harvey is survived by his stepson, Ronald (Janet) Poertner of Winifred, MT, and his stepdaughter, Sarah Poertner of Neillsville; six step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; besides other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth.

Funeral services for Harvey R. Sherman will be held Thursday, July 19, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, with Reverend Terry Marg officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery, Merrillan, with military rites by the Alma Center VFW Post #8494.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

 

 


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