William Eugene Sherman

William “Bill” Eugene Sherman, age 94, of Dexter, Minnesota, passed on to eternal life with Jesus Saturday, January 3, 2026, just three days shy of his 95 birthday, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin. Bill was born on January 6, 1931, to Roy and Ruth Sherman and started his young life in Wesley, Iowa with his six siblings, all boys. His mother died in 1956. The family moved to Austin, and he attended Pacelli High School and had been entered into the hall of fame for his time on the football team. After graduating high school in 1949 Bill volunteered for the Navy and served for four years on the USS Thomas Jefferson. Upon honorable discharge, he married Deanna Edwards in 1958, and they had five children together.

Bill was proud to be a farmer and an employee at Hormel Foods – Austin where he worked for many years. He was a faithful member of the P-9 Labor Union and shared many heart-felt stories of his memories of the Austin Strike of 1985. Bill retired at that time but maintained his many friendships with fellow P-9ers who met regularly for good conversation and coffee. His retirement put him at the Dexter township farm more often, which was his real love. That and his family. Bill’s five children blessed him with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his children, Jeff (Vanette) Sherman of Jim Falls, Wisconsin, Mary Sherman-Ahrens of Blooming Prairie, Robert (Ruth) Sherman of Blooming Prairie, and Matthew (Holly) Sherman of Sargeant; daughter-in-law, Jan Sherman of Oologah, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Sherman; mother, Ruth Sherman; stepmother, Margaret Sherman; son, Jim Sherman; siblings, Ivan, Dean “Teddy”, Gary “Snortzy”, Richard “Dick”, Frank “Bumpy”, and Johnny.

Bill’s family would like to extend deep appreciation to the Veterans Administration for the support and care they provided, allowing Bill to remain in his home and on the land he cherished. Also to Meals on Wheels for delivering hot and nutritious meals with a smile. Thank you to his many caregivers for their personal care and friendship and to St. Croix Hospice. We will forever be grateful for the support and kindness shown by his many neighbors and friends, especially Tim and Joy Bernatz, Todd and Gina Grundmeier, Don Mandt and MaryLou, and the Neuvirth Family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Interment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Austin with his parents. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.