Stephen Patrick “Pat” Sherman, age 70, of Jordan, MN passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, October 24, 2020.
A public gathering to honor Pat’s life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation (104 1st St W, Jordan, MN 55352).
A private family service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM. Friends and extended family are invited to stream the service at the following link: S. Patrick Sherman Funeral (Meeting ID: 953 8944 2366 Passcode: 387822) Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside. Interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Richfield, MN.
Pat was born on October 9, 1950 to Stephen Edmund and Margaret Mary (Sheridan) Sherman. Growing up in South Minneapolis, Pat was the fourth of six siblings, narrowly missing the third spot to his twin sister at birth. Living in a crowded house, Pat was close to all his siblings, and never missed an opportunity to lovingly tease his three sisters. Even with his mischievous tendencies and free spirit growing up, Pat always had a good heart and worked hard his whole life despite the challenges he had to overcome. At an early age, Pat discovered many of his passions and talents that he would pursue throughout his life. He worked many hours with his father restoring antique furniture as a third-generation woodworker for the family business, LP Sherman and Sons. Pat was a city boy but discovered he really liked the country more. He was sent away to work at his uncle’s farm in Wisconsin every summer, but he secretly loved every second of it. While his relationship with his father was very hard, he was able to hone his craftsmanship and a love for the outdoors. Through his father, he learned how to hunt and fish, which would become lifelong hobbies for Pat.
After graduating from Washburn High School with the class of 1968, Pat enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War and served honorably. When discharged, Pat found a job with a woodworking company before eventually starting his own independent business, Sherman’s Lone Oak. He was an extremely talented artist and craftsman, designing and building custom kitchens and furniture for which he never had to advertise.
On June 9th, 1981, Pat’s life was forever changed when he was united in marriage with Mary Blatz on Lake Minnetonka, MN. Together, they were blessed with two children, Lucas and Natalie. As a family, they lived in Bloomington, MN until 1986, and then moved to Jordan, MN, where Mary and Pat landed at the place they called “Beau Rêve,” their Beautiful Dream. They started a hobby farm there and spent much of their time taking care of every different kind of farm animal imaginable. Tragically, Mary was involved in an accident in 1995 and much of Pat’s energy went into caring and adjusting life for her until her passing in 2008. While it was a difficult period in his life, he took incredibly good care of his wife, supporting her in every way he knew how, as well as building a new house to accommodate her needs to be able to live back at Beau Rêve. It was during Mary’s struggles that both Pat and Mary developed a special relationship with Melissa “Mel” Westerlund, who was Mary’s caretaker over those years.
Later in life, Pat was able to continue to enjoy life, pursuing his passions of hunting and woodworking. He hunted out west for elk and mule deer, loved retreating to his cabin in Wisconsin where he hunted for white tail deer, traveled to Canada for caribou and to fish, and enjoyed Midwestern bird hunting as well. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his buddies and drag racing up in Brainerd. An increase of accidents, surgeries, and pain slowed his abilities to continue with many of his passions, but he remained strong and stubborn.
With Mel’s continued companionship and care, Pat was able to travel with her, going to places like Europe and Costa Rica and staying up at their camper in Brainerd, which was their “happy place” on the lake. On October 16, 2019, Pat and Mel got married in Las Vegas on the High Roller. In 2015, Pat welcomed his first grandchild, Elliott. Despite the chronic pain he battled, he immediately began building a beautiful bedroom set complete with an enormous personalized toy box, which Pat and Mel immediately over-filled. A couple years later, his second grandchild Chloe was born and within the month, he and Mel made one of many treks to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to meet her. In these most recent years, Pat also enjoyed spending holidays and gatherings with Mel’s family. In July of 2019, Pat and Mel welcomed a third grandchild, Aubry, who brought many smiles to their lives here in Minnesota.
Pat was a detail oriented, friendly, silly, and compassionate man who could make anyone laugh. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Melissa Sherman; children, Lucas (Jenn) Sherman and Natalie Sherman; step-children, Kayla (Jonathan) Vlasak and Trevor Westerlund; grandchildren, Elliott and Chloe; step-grandchild, Aubrey Vlasak; siblings, David (Joanie) Sherman, Kathy (Mike) Myhre, Peggy (Bob) Grant, Paul (Karla) Sherman, and Sally Nielson; and many other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Blatz; and his parents, Stephen and Margaret Sherman.
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Marty Boman
I am so sorry to hear about Pat. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
i have many fond memories of Pat at Ramsey Jr High & Washburn High. RIP.
Marty Boman
JOHN NOTERMAN
Our hearts are heavy tonight as we grieve the loss of our dear friend and neighbor. We have so many special memories of Pat over the years. What stands out most, was his love and dedication to his wife Mary during many difficult years of illness. For all of his own physical suffering he endured, you never heard a word of complaint and we were always amazed by his upbeat attitude. His tenderhearted spirit and genuine warmth was always on display. He was blessed to have Mel by his side these last years. He will be dearly missed.
Until we meet again “little buddy”.
John and Lynda Noterman
Deb Barker
Dear Lucas, Natalie and Mel,
I am so sorry for the loss of Pat. He was an amazingly loving man. I have so many memories of our families having good times together. Pat always making sure everyone was happy. My love to you and your family.
Deb Barker
Bob Helland
Pat was a friend of mine since 1959. He was a fellow Marine, a devoted husband, a father who raised a fine son and lovely daughter. A master carpenter with a strong work ethic who’s work spoke for itself. He was a great provider, had a big heart, loved Motown and was a true friend. A best friend. I love loved him and will see him in the next life.
His pal.
Bob Helland
AKA Downtown Bobby.
Carlene Heald
Lucas, I know how close you to your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carlene
Amy Piva
We are thinking of you in Steamboat and sending our love.
Kathy Grant
So sorry for your loss Peg. With the support of your loving family and God you will get through these tragic times.
Kathy Grant
Ernest Buffie
I 1st met Pat in Jr. High. A contagious smile and a bigger than life persona he projected. Some one you were glad to have on your side but don’t get on his bad side. He was an icon and friend to many. There was a kindness and joy about him that always seemed to come through when you saw him. All my memories of Pat are good memories. He will be missed by many. My sincere condolences , thoughts and prayers to his family.
Faye Walker
So very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for all.
Mike Nash
To all Pat’s family…Lucas, Natalie, Mel, Brothers, Sisters and Grandkids, and Many friends.
Pat was a very special person, and will be remembered and missed by SO many. Keep the good memories in your hearts..he would like that. Pat came in to my life in junior high school. He had a larger than life reputation, and he and I became fast friends very quickly. He was the type of person that would Always have your back! We remained best friends all through school and for many many years after. We enjoyed cook outs at his home, and he and Mary were frequent guests at my lake place in Garrison MN. We went on many hunting and fishing trips to Ontario and out West together. Some of the best times of my life! We didn’t see each other the last few years as we drifted apart. This was more my fault than his, but my memories of the wonderful times we spent together for over 50 years will NEVER leave me. I hope for my old friend that he is in a better place now, at peace and no more pain. With a little luck, maybe I will see you there.
Good by old friend,
Mike
Tracy Miskowitz
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Sherman family for the sudden and unexpected passing of Pat. As a childhood friend of Sally’s, I know he was a vibrant and vocal family member. I still cherish the letters he sent me from Camp Pendleton during basic training as a Marine.
So, to Sally, Kathy, David, Peggy, and Paul, my heart grieves with you during this tragic loss. You are completely in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Theresa(Tracy)Vossen Miskowitz
Stephen Peterson
Sorry to hear this. I knew Pat for 50 years, we both went to Washburn, different classes but I knew him as a good friend. Rest in peace.
Earl & Cherie Johnson
We offer Our sincerest condolences and wish GOD’s peace and understanding for the Family.
Pat was a wonderful man. we are proud to say he was Our friend and grateful for all the good memories.
May Our condolences bring you comfort and may Our prayers ease the pain of Your loss and give Pat eternal
rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.
Tracy Miskowitz
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Sherman family for the sudden passing of Pat. As a childhood friend of Sally’s, who hung around the household on Grand Avenue South, I remember Pat as a vocal and vibrant member of the family. I cherish the letters he wrote to me during his Marine basic training at Camp Pendleton.
So, to Sally, Kathy, David, Peggy, and Paul, you are completely in my thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
With sympathy,
Theresa(Tracy)Vossen Miskowitz
Tom Berkelman
To Lucas, Natalie, Mel and the family …
It is difficult to adequately express the emotions of grief, love and appreciation for your Dad, husband, brother and uncle. Pat was my brother-in-law and dear friend for so many years. We shared both great laughter and tears through the many ups & downs in our lives. He was always there for myself and others with his infectious personality and loyalty. I would like to believe I was that good of a friend to him but – and he would laugh – he was a tough act to follow. He gave me more than I returned.
I am forever grateful for his presence in my life. He will be missed, loved and never forgotten.
Rest In Peace big guy. ❤️
Michael Kelley
I met Pat in fourth grade. We lived one block away from each other, Pat on 47th and Grand Ave, me on 46th and Pleasant Ave. There is no better friend than Pat, he was very tough and dedicated. I would help him deliver furniture every week. His Dad was a tough cookie. Pat ran away from home and stayed at my house but his Mom knew where he was. I could go on forever. I know yesterday is gone but Pat will never be gone from my heart. Love you Brother.
clint Wasem
So sorry to hear about Pat. I had many great memories with Pat in our youth. I am sorry that I didn’t really see Pat much through out the years but he will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Clint Wasem
Melissa O'Shaughnessy
Such heartbreaking news, my deepest condolences to Lucas and Natalie and Mel and the entire family. Pat was such a caring and warm hearted man, I know how deeply he will be missed.
Sending love and prayers,
Missy O’Shaughnessy
Nancy K Nelson
This is a time of great sadness for the Nelson family. Pat (and Mary) were our next door neighbors and best friends when our children were small. Our children were best friends too. Each day the kids walked between our houses on the path they made through the woods. I would hear a small scratching on the door and the Sherman kids were there. Pat was my best goat milker when I was out of town – always reliable and willing to help. The first time we met Pat, he was feeding baby Natalie in her highchair, delicious and nutritious Campbell chicken noodle soup. Mary was out of town. Son Ross and Lucas were inseparable. Another highlight was the infamous pig roast party (Pig raised by us and shot by Pat with his pistol), stage and band, and porta potties decorated by Mary. The four of us had so much fun together! Those are very special memories. We love you Pat and know you are up in heaven with Mary. And we love you Natalie and Lucas.
Richard Lusk
Pat was one of my best friends in high school. I remember his furniture refinish shop. So sorry I didn’t hook up with him when I was there for high school reunion.
Mike Spurlock
Pat Sherman was truly a “Prince of a guy”. He was a friendly, caring, and generous guy who wanted the best for his children, whom he loved very much. He told me that he tried to raise his children right, and I think he was successful.
I know his son, Lucas, very well, since he married my daughter, Jennifer, in 2012 and they have two beautiful children, Elliott and Chloe (our grandchildren). If you know Lucas I am sure you will agree that he is a fine, upstanding guy, with good values. Pat raised him well. and I told Pat that. I know from talking with Lucas over the years that Lucas loved and respected his father very much. He also loved the hunting adventures they had together and the relationship they had. Elliott, who is 5, also loved and will miss his “Grandpa Pat”. He told me this past summer that he missed him. I am sure Chloe loved Grandpa Pat too and I hope she will remember him, as she is only 3.
I first met Pat in person in 2009 when he and Lucas traveled to our house in Columbus, Ohio, where Jennifer grew up. Pat was very friendly and spoke highly of Jennifer and we hit it off as friends. I am a year older than Pat, and he liked to kid me about that. He said I would always be a year older, ha, ha.
Pat was a “Prince of a guy”.
Diane Dokken
Melissa and family so very sorry for your loss. Another angel has received his wings. God Bless you and your family.
Gretchen L. Williams
I knew Pat though my cousin Greg Long (he owned the former Greggory’s Restaurant, on Lyndale).
I haven’t seen him for yrs, as I moved to Phoenix, Arizona.
I kept up word of mouth from my SLEIZER cousins.
He was a GZrEAT GUY, BIG HEART, &GREAT SENSE IF HUMOR. My thoughts & prayers go out to his wife & family.
David and Kay Lathrop
Our thoughts and prayers to Lucus , Natalie, and Mel. I`ve stared at the computer trying to figure out where or how to begin this. Pat was one of those guys you never forgot once you met him. Always with a little smirk in the corner of his mouth and a bear claw handshake. From sitting around the kitchen table with Pat, Mike Nash, my Dad, and I to being in the outdoors hunting or fishing, or setting up the farm for a pig roast. A master woodworker, his work still stands in our families homes. Pat was truly a mans man in all respects and will be deeply miss by all that knew him. Rest in peace my friend.