Obituary: Alan N. Sherman

MADISON - Allan N. Sherman, age 78, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2009, at home. He was born on March 18, 1931, in Bloomer, the son of Torvald and Sigrid (Helgesen) Sherman. He was united in marriage to Jeanette (Jan) Boehnen, on January 20, 1951. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School, and was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Al was a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard Firefighter Squadron, from 1951 to 1953. Upon his discharge, he continued his service with the Guard, as a full time carpenter, developing the woodworking skills that would become his life's work. He joined the Madison Fire Department, as a firefighter, in 1955, and served with the department until 1964. He then became a real estate agent in the Madison area, for the next 15 years of his life; working for a number of local companies as well as his own company, Sherman Realty. In 1980, he went back to his true love, carpentry; going to work for Findorff Construction Co., where he worked until his retirement in 1997. Al took great joy in his woodworking skills. He was an accomplished cabinet maker and furniture artisan, creating beautiful works of furniture for both himself and his family. He prided himself on home projects, both for himself as well as others. A truly giving man, Al would offer his services to anyone who asked. He never asked for anything in return, a simple "thank you' was payment enough. Al was also an accomplished cook. He took passion in cooking delicious dinners for friends and family. His homemade soups were second to none, and his culinary skills will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan; sons, Jeffrey, James and John (Torvie), all of Madison; as well as his beloved dachshund, Abby. He is further survived by his brother, Clayton Sherman; sister, Lola (Palmer) Paulson; granddaughter, Danielle; as well as two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Joni; brothers, Wallace and Alf; and sisters, Anne and Marion. Per his requests, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of Al's life will be held in the near future. "Good-bye, Papa." Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 26, 2009