Richard Ernest Sherman

Richard Ernest Sherman, 83, Rockford, passed away Friday, July 26, 2019, at Mercy Health on Riverside surrounded by his family. He was born August 19, 1935, in Sandwich, the son of Elmer and Katherine (Fox) Sherman. Richard was a Korean War veteran serving in the Navy on the USS Hornet. He married Patricia Herrmann on April 12, 1957, and later married Deborah (Kitzman) Doyle on February 13, 1988. Richard was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was a former usher and lector. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard began his career as a meat cutter for Jewel Tea Co., then sales at John Morrel and Company, now part of Smith Field Foods, where he worked his way to management and marketing. Richard retired in 1998, after 35 years in the meat industry. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, debating politics, staying current on the news, and good, long games of computer solitaire. He loved good times, good food, and a good joke!
Survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Rick (Jenny) of Winnebago, Ron (Robin) of Seattle WA, Katherine (spouse, Mike Morford) Kaschke of East Moline, and Tom (Christine) of Huntley; his step-children, Paul (Barbara) Doyle of Bay City, MI, Adam Doyle of Saginaw, MI, and James (Shelley) Doyle of St. Charles, MO; 22 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Hazel Sherman of Somonauk. Predeceased by his parents and 4 brothers, Robert, John, Raymond, and Gerald.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 2, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford. Graveside services in St. John Catholic Cemetery,
E 2351st Rd & N 47th Rd, in Somonauk at noon on Saturday, August 3, 2019. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M until 10:15 A.M. on Friday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Share online