On July 23, 2015, Sherman B. Wise, slipped away on the wings of a snow white dove, while holding the hand of his long time special friend and companion, Lillian Norton. He was 84 years old and resided at Hudson Lake.
He was born June 15th, 1931 in Bristol, IN to Ben F. Wise and Edna (Dubbs) Wise. One of nine children, with 3 brothers and 5 sisters, he grew up appreciating the simple things in life. He worked hard, knew the value of a dollar, and belonged to the "waste not want not" club. People meant more to Sherm than material things.
In 1947 he married Marilyn Hart who preceded him in death. They had 3 children; Sherman “JR’ Wise Jr., Douglas (Fina) Wise, of Renton, Washington, and Karen (Patrick) Imholt, of Canby, Oregon. His children blessed him with seven Grandchildren, PJ Imholt, Mindy Imholt, Maria Imholt, Felisha Imholt, & Trevor Imholt, JeanMarie Wise, & Connor Wise.
In1994 he married Elaine Allen Wise and for many years they owned and operated the Saugany Lake Tavern, (Presently Nowhere Bar & Grill). Sherm continued to be a part of Elaine's family after her passing, and shared a bond of fondness with step daughter, Laurie (Robert) DePaul , her daughter, Jaci Prentiss, and especially Darrin DePaul, who became his close Buddy and helper.
Sherm served his country honorably in the United States Army and was a decorated veteran of the Korean War. He served in the 45th Infantry, nicknamed the "Thunderbirds" and was a Purple Heart recipient. He belonged to the American Legion and held life memberships with the VFW, Am Vets, and Disabled American Veterans. He was proud of his membership, took his obligations seriously and was honored this past summer for his many years of service and support by these organizations. He also belonged to the Moose and the Falcons.
Sherm was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Sherman “JR” Wise Jr., his brothers, Levi, Charles, and Harold, sisters, Pearl and Iva. He is survived by sisters Idella (Andrew) Sensenbaugh, Elva (Warren) Anglemeyer and Phyllis Colee, extended family and many neighbors and friends.
A Celebration Of Life Service will be held on Thursday July 30, 2015 at 10 AM at Cutler Funeral Home And Cremation Center. Rev. Ron Devenport will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at Westville Cemetery.
A Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4-8 PM on Wednesday July 29, 2015 and also from 9 AM until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be directed to the VFW Post 88, 1519 W Bristol St, Elkhart, IN 46514 or the American Legion Post 344, Po Box 206, Galien, Michigan 49113. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.