Marian Joan Sherman, 93

Marian Joan Sherman, age 93, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the daughter of John H. and Johanna Wilhelmina (Gerdes) Kruse, on August 31, 1931, at her parent’s farm in Grundy County, Iowa.  She attended Lincoln Center #8 School, then graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1949.  After her high school graduation Marian attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for one year.  Marian worked as a part-time clerk at the Dime Store in Grundy Center, then taught kindergarten through 2nd grade for two years at Morrison, Iowa.  

On March 14, 1951, Marian was united in marriage with Melvin Sherman at the Lincoln Center Christian Reformed Church in rural Grundy Center.  Following their marriage, they made their home near Allison and then moved to Aplington where they farmed. In 1960, Melvin and Marian moved and farmed near the Big Marsh area, northwest of Parkersburg, Iowa. Marian returned to college and received a BA in Education from the University of Northern Iowa.  She taught reading skills, and 1st and 3rd grades at Parkersburg Elementary School until 1998, when she retired.  When Melvin retired from farming, the couple moved to Aplington.  After Marian’s retirement, she did substitute teaching for many years.

Marian was a charter member of the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg.  She taught Sunday School, Bible School and directed the church choirs.  She was a member of the Women’s Group and the Women’s Bible Study.  Marian and Melvin served as youth group leaders at the church.  Marian had a large garden at their farm.  She loved to read and was a life-long learner and teacher.  Marian and Melvin enjoyed summer fishing trips to Bass Lake near Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  She loved teaching and was known for her red apple necklace.  Marian’s family were very special to her.

Marian passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Unity Point Health - Allen Hospital in Waterloo.  Marian was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Melvin, on May 4, 2010; her parents, John and Johanna Kruse; a grandson, Matthew Sherman; a sister, Elinore Aiken and an infant sister, Esther; two brothers-in-law, Rolly Aiken and Bob Clark; and three nephews, Steven Aiken, John Aiken and Tim Clark.

Marian is survived by four sons, Keith (Vicki) Sherman of Centerville, Iowa, Daryl (Joyce) Sherman of Lake Mills, Iowa,  Paul (Donna) Sherman of Parkersburg and Loren (Shelly) Sherman of Parkersburg; one daughter, Mary Sherman (Todd Hanson)  of Arthur, North Dakota; ten grandchildren, Jonathan Sherman, Erin (Josh) Davis, David (Kelly) Sherman, Loren (Ashley) Sherman, Daniel (Abigail) Sherman, Michael Sherman, Suzanne (Kirk) Neuroth, Heather (Kyle) Sharp, Travis (Lacy) Sherman and special memory of Matthew Sherman; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Loren John (Liz) Kruse of Ankeny, Iowa, and one sister, Dorothy Clark of Grundy Center. 

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg with Pastor Nate Huisman officiating.  Cathy Myers was the organist, and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”, “Amazing Grace” and “Go Now In Peace”.   Daryl Sherman sang “Hymn of Promise” and all of Marian’s children sang “Blessed Assurance”.  The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Marian’s grandsons, David Sherman, Loren Sherman, Daniel Sherman, Travis Sherman, Michael Sherman and Jonathan Sherman serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were Marian’s granddaughters, Heather Sharp, Suzanne Neuroth and Erin Davis.  Jackie Wildeboer served as the Flower Committee.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 13, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Parkersburg Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com  

The family would like to express a special thank you to Care Initiative Hospice and Parker Place.  Memorials may be directed to the Hope Reformed Church.