John “Jack” Hulbert Sherman Jr., 92, of Austin, Minnesota died Sunday, April 14, 2019.

John “Jack” Hulbert Sherman Jr. was born on Oct. 26, 1926, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Margaret Fetzer Sherman and John Hulbert Sherman. He grew up in the Hinsdale school system and graduated from Hinsdale Township High School. He welcomed a sister, Margaret (Peg), and later another sister, Mary V., into the family. While in high school, he played football and ran track, which he said was “great fun.” He developed many lifelong friendships while in Hinsdale. He started attending church in Hinsdale at the Union Church, which his grandparents, Wade and Margaret Fetzer, helped found. He was a member of the Congregational Church wherever he and his family lived. He felt that the church helped him develop strong family values. This contributed to the love and hard work he put into raising his own family.  He always enjoyed contributing to the communities where he lived and raised his family. After graduating from Hinsdale High School in 1944, Jack was in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46, serving on the CV-40-class aircraft carrier USS Tarawa as a flight landing attendant, controlling the arresting gear helping the aircraft take off and land, which he found interesting and exciting. After the war, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which he enjoyed very much. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in agriculture and farm management.  Jack married Ann Goble in 1949.  She also attended Iowa State University, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  Their first son, Michael H. Sherman, was born there in 1950. He started working for the George A. Hormel Co. in Austin in 1950. He worked there for 36.5 years, primarily in the Purchasing and Procurement Department. A daughter, Margaret (Peggy), was born in Austin, followed by a son, John C. Sherman, two years later.  They were transferred to Fremont, Nebraska, and lived there for 15 years. A daughter, Susan, was born while they lived in Fremont. They were transferred back to Austin in 1974. Jack and Ann developed many close friends in both Austin and Fremont. For many years, they took their kids skiing in Winter Park, Colorado, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In later years they went to Big Sky, Montana. Lots of laughter and great fun with family and good friends were a big part of these winter outings. Jack’s summer vacations were mostly at the family cabins in Glen Lake, Michigan, beginning the year he was born. This gorgeous setting provided wonderful times with family and friends, including swimming, boating, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, picnics on Lake Michigan, large family dinners in the cabins, lounging on the dock and boat house and just enjoying time with family. All of this could not have happened without the planning of his grandparents, who provided the cabins for the enjoyment of future generations. When Jack and Ann retired, they traveled extensively, including New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, Ireland, England, Scotland, river cruising in Germany, and a trip to Denmark to visit friends. Many winters were spent on Sanibel Island, Florida, for sun and beach time.

While living in Austin, he enjoyed working on numerous projects for the Congregational Church. He also helped plant trees for Spruce Up Austin for many years and found that very fulfilling. He was a longtime member of the Austin Rotary Club, Shriners and Masonic Lodge. Jack was proud to have earned his 25 Gallon Pin as a faithful donor to the American Red Cross. Jack loved being outdoors all his life. He transferred that love to his children and their families.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ann Sherman; sisters, Mary Mortimer Forbes (George) and Margaret (Peg) Zukin; his four children, Michael Sherman (Linda), Peggy Shannon (Rich), John Sherman (Marianne) and Susan Sherman. He had eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Helen Craigmile and cousins.

Jack had a long, wonderful life. He leaves his family and friends with terrific memories. One of his friends once said, “I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Jack Sherman!”

In lieu of flowers, it is Jack’s wish that donations be made to the First Congregational Church, 1910 Third Ave. NW, Austin, MN 55912, or a charity of the donor’s choice. A celebration of Jack’s life is being planned and will be announced at a later time. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is handling arrangements.