On July 23, 2015, Sherman B. Wise slipped away on the wings of a snow-white dove while holding the hand of his longtime special friend and companion, Lillian Norton. He was 84 and resided at Hudson Lake, IN.
He was born June 15, 1931, in Bristol, IN, to Ben F. and Edna (Dubbs) Wise. One of nine children, with three brothers and five 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.
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, AmVets 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.
In 1947 he married Marilyn Hart, who preceded him in death. They had three children: Sherman “JR’ Wise Jr., Douglas (Fina) Wise of Renton, WA, and Karen (Patrick) Imholt of Canby, OR. His children blessed him with seven grandchildren, PJ Imholt, Mindy Imholt, Maria Imholt, Felisha Imholt, Trevor Imholt, JeanMarie Wise, and Connor Wise.
In 1994 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 stepdaughter Laurie (Robert) DePaul, her daughter, Jaci Prentiss, and especially Darrin DePaul, who became his close buddy and helper.
He is also survived by sisters Idella (Andrew) Sensenbaugh, Elva (Warren) Anglemeyer and Phyllis Colee, extended family and many neighbors and friends.
Sherm was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Sherman “JR” Wise Jr.; his brothers, Levi, Charles and Harold; and sisters, Pearl and Iva.
A Celebration Of Life Service will be held Thursday, July 30, at 10 a.m. at Cutler Funeral Home And Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Ron Devenport officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Westville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to VFW Post 88, 1519 W. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN 46514; or American Legion Post 344, Po Box 206, Galien, MI 49113.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.