Gary Michael Sherman

Gary Michael Sherman, age 89 of Apple Valley, MN passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Gary was born on November 6, 1935, in Wesley, IA to Ruth (Loebig) and Roy Sherman. As a young child he moved to Austin, MN where he attended Columbus Grade School, confirmed at St. Augustine Catholic Church and graduated St. Augustine (Pacelli) high school in 1954. During his school years, Gary was best friends with his six brothers. He was proud of serving early Mass with his brother, Frank, and becoming State Football Champs in 1950 with two of his brothers. After graduating from high school, Gary worked at the Golden Dairy and the Austin Fire Department for 20 years. He graduated from Austin Community College and Mankato State University, earning AA, BS and MBA degrees. Upon graduation from college, Gary worked at Bowlby, Anfinson, Crandle and Haydt CPA firm until1985 when he relocated to Falls Church, VA to take employment with the International Firefighter’s Association. He was a gifted writer and wrote publications for the IF Association. Gary returned to MN in 1988 where he was employed by GE Capital until retiring in 1998.

Gary was a kind spirit and dedicated and loving husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He liked to tell the story of the greatest friendship of his life beginning in the fifth grade on the corner of his grade school in his role as crossing guard. When Terryl (the first girl to ever talk to him) said, “When are you going to start carrying my books home?” He has been carrying her books and her heart ever since and through 70 years of marriage, which began on December 28, 1954.

Gary and Terryl were blessed with six boys and one girl in the first eight years of their marriage. Gary was an avid participant in the children’s lives from Indian Guides to coaching sports, to teaching religious instruction, all the while being a good role model. Gary was a helper from the time he was an altar boy and school patrol and through his life as a fire fighter. He was a born teacher. His kids learned a variety of skills from how to cook “slop”, drywall and wallpaper, to plumbing and being a hard worker and care giver. Gary also set the example of taking education seriously by going on to get his own college degrees. Gary loved to travel and would pack all the kids and their dog, Tippy into the station wagon camping from sea to shining sea. Later, Gary and Terryl traveled to 24 countries in Europe and Africa.

He was an avid reader and a knowledgeable member of his neighborhood book club. He enjoyed the fantasy worlds of The Lord of the Rings or dabbling in poetry, which he easily memorized and recited to Terryl. Aside from reading, Gary loved to spend time with his grandson, Benny, watching movies at home or going to the theater. He was a skilled cards and bridge player and enjoyed many good times gathering with the infamous Austin Couples Club cultivating some rich and lasting friendships. He loved golfing with family and friends, especially with Bill Barnet in the early hours when winter vacationing in Oceanside, CA. Gary ran the streets of Austin with his lifelong friend, neighbor and fellow firefighter, Dave Tschann. Dave and his wife, Delores, also took Gary and Terryl to the old brick hall for some polka dances. Gary started road racing with his kids, including Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. He learned the love of running from his kids and they learned the love of a hero, a selfless giver.

Gary is survived by his wife, Terryl Sherman; his children, Scott (Laureen) Sherman of Roseville, MN, Mark (Deborah) Sherman, of Austin, MN, Rick (Nancy) Sherman of Burnsville, MN, Ted (Julie) Sherman of Linwood, MN, Jerry (Cindy) Sherman of Ramsey, MN, Tracy (Michael) Krug, of Battle Creek, MI, and Martin (Emmerlee) Sherman of Burnsville, MN; 17 grandchildren and honorary urn bearers: Nick Knutson, Erik Sherman, Katy Herman, Laura Corbin, Ruth Ann Krug, Rebecca Adams, Annalisa Richardson, Olivia Sherman, Alexander Sherman, Rachel Justice, Luke Sherman, Adrienne Sherman, Daniel Sherman, Scott Krug, Joseph Sherman, Lauren Sherman, and Thomas Krug; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, William Sherman; sister-in-law, Juanita Sherman; brother-in-law, William (Jane) Cross; and sister-in-law, Theanne (Gary) Bjerke.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12 Noon at Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel, 14850 Garrett Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124, with a visitation one hour prior. A private interment will take place at Lebanon Cemetery in Apple Valley, MN.

Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel is handling arrangements.