Wilma Sherman

Gifford (Formerly of the Mahomet Area) – Wilma Fern (Erke) Sherman passed away surrounded by family and moved onto her reward peacefully, promoted to heaven on Saturday afternoon February 4th, 2023.

Visitation will be Friday, February 10 at Blair Owens Funeral Home from 4-6 pm.  Funeral service will be held at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in rural Champaign at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 11. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Garden, Champaign, IL.

Wilma was born on August 29th, 1929 in rural Piatt County to Emmett and Eleanor Erke. She wed Charles Sherman on June 28th, 1947 in Sadorus. They were married for 63 years, until his death in July 2010.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four siblings—Florence, Hazel, Jane, and Ivan—and two daughters—Donna (infant) and Martha (Steve) Buhr.

She is survived by six children: Deanna (Gene) Osterbur of Royal, Robert Sherman of Champaign, David (Mary) Sherman of Mansfield, Marilyn (Russell) Buhr of Loda, Lillian (Dennis) Neef of Mansfield, and Dan (Mary Kae) Sherman of Bloomington.

Wilma leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Grandchildren: Julie (Jason) Carlson of Byron; Todd (Katie) Osterbur of Seattle, WA; Tony (Ashley) Sherman of Washington; Teresa Sherman of Cambridge, MA; Travis (Lize-Mari) Sherman of Owensboro, KY; Chad (Megan) Sherman of Wylie, TX; Christina (Joel) Wilcox of LeRoy; Michelle (Brad) Camp of Norman, OK; Andy (Missy) Buhr of Gifford; Jeff (Aimee) Buhr of Urbana; Tommy (Molly) Buhr of Ogden; Angie (Ben) McElhoe of Potomac; Wesley Neef of Champaign; James Sherman of Bloomington, IN; Katie Sherman of Normal; Luke Sherman of Bloomington.

Great-grandchildren: Natalie, Will & Lauren Carlson; Benjamin Osterbur; Sawyer & Brinkley Sherman; Marcella & Miles Sherman; Axle Fugitt; Clare & Grace Wilcox; Ella & Adelaide Camp; Max & Annie Buhr; Avary, Brody, Dex & Emmaline Buhr; Sophia & Mason Buhr; James Huisinga & Carson McElhoe.

Wilma graduated salutatorian from Sadorus High School in 1947. She enjoyed gardening, writing letters and cards to family, and discovering her family genealogy. Wilma was a devoted member of Mt. Vernon UMC for over 60 years. There, she served on various committees, was active in teaching Sunday School, Bible School, Bible Studies, and was president of the Women’s Group for many years. Wilma served as the president of Mahomet Helping Hands food bank for several years. She was also an election judge for Hensley township.

The family would like to thank the staff at Country Health in Gifford and Transitions Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Vernon UMC or Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford.

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