Sherman Lillie passed away on April 23, 2026. He was born to Daniel Lillie and Ruby (Payson) Lillie in Black Brook Township, Polk County, Wisconsin, the third of five children, on May 29, 1943. He grew up in the Clear Lake area, where his family farmed for many years, attending kindergarten through high school at Clear Lake School and graduating with the Class of 1961.
One of his first jobs was driving milk trucks, then doing carpentry work, which he continued most of his life. His belief in doing the best job he could do in all he did earned Sherman the reputation of being a known carpenter and fix-it man. He also distributed newspapers for over 25 years, assisted by all of his children over the years.
Sherman loved Jesus from an early age, and he shared about Jesus’ gift of salvation with friends and family and all who would listen.
While working for Northland Ski, he was a member of the Bald Eagle Ski Club, based in the White Bear Lake, Minnesota, area. Sherm’s Home Improvement Center in Centuria was known far and wide for his painting, roofing, and household repairs. He was involved in the politics of Centuria for years and was elected as President of the Village for one term. Being instrumental in starting the jail ministry in Polk County, he ministered to many inmates. He also volunteered with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Loaves and Fishes Food Shelf, and was a Chaplain with Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and for several years, a driver and first responder for Northland Municipal Ambulance. In his younger years he took several mission trips, including Haiti and Denmark. After Hurricane Katrina, Sherman made two separate trips to the Gulf area to assist with rebuilding.
Sherman was preceded in death by his infant brother, Sheldon Earl; sisters, Shelby and Shirley; and infant daughter, Jordan. He is survived by his wife, Sue Ames-Lillie; sisters, Sheila (Ted) Dunbar and Sharon Sandahl; children, Anthony (Ashley) Lillie, Jason Lillie, Joshua (Ginett) Lillie, Tareh (Chris) Fultz, Eve (Joe) Muth, and Ryan (Bryn) Lillie; stepsons, Michael (Robin) Placzek and Jeffrey Placzek; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as cousins, aunts and uncles. Sherman was loved by many, and will be fondly remembered and missed greatly.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Friday, May 29, 10 a.m. (Sherman’s 83rd birthday), followed by his Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. There will be a light lunch following the service. Crosswalk Community Church, 505 Old County Rd W, Frederic, WI 54837.
