Sherlyn A. Ihm

LANCASTER – Sherlyn A. "Sheri" Ihm, age 80, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was born on June 17, 1946, in Lancaster, the daughter of Frank and Genevieve Patcle and Chester and Bonnie Hauk.

Sheri attended Cassville Grade School and graduated from Visitation Academy in Dubuque, Iowa, with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, she entered the School Sisters of St. Francis Convent in Milwaukee, where she continued to deepen her faith and commitment to serving others. Answering the needs of her family, Sheri left the convent to care for her younger sister, whom she lovingly raised.

On August 10, 1968, Sheri was united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony with Raymond C. Ihm at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville. Together they made their home on the Ihm family farm in North Lancaster Township, where they raised their family while embracing the values of faith, hard work, and hospitality.

Committed to lifelong learning and caring for others, Sheri furthered her education at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. She worked as an in-home caregiver for six years and later served residents at Morningside in Lancaster, where her compassionate heart and gentle spirit touched many lives.

Sheri's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in her love for her family, her parish, and her community. A devoted member of St. Clement Catholic Church, she generously shared her gifts as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Vice President of the Council of Catholic Women, Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, member of the Liturgy Commission, and Dining Room Chairperson. She also joyfully shared her faith through Adult Formation programs, IMAGE, TEC, NET, and CEW, encouraging others to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Blessed with a servant's heart, Sheri opened her home as a foster mother to many children, offering them love, stability, and counsel. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with and supporting her beloved grandchildren. She also served as secretary for the National Farmers Organization Advertising Committee, reflecting her dedication to agriculture and rural communities.

Sheri found happiness in the simple blessings of life. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and caring for others, always giving of herself with kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her legacy of love, service, and Christian witness will be treasured by all who knew her.

Survivors include her loving husband, Raymond; their children: Shawn (Michael) Dooley, Laura (Jon) Bovee, Ray (Jenell) Ihm, John (Deb) Ihm, Joe (Kelly) Ihm, Fr. Gregory Ihm, Betty (Jacob) Ballweg; her sister, Marianne Hauk (Jim) Giesen; 24 grandchildren and one on the way; one great-grandchild; nephew, John (Jerika) Giesen; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Sheri was preceded in death by her children, Bonita, Michael, and Joyce, infant grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a nephew, James Giesen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Reverend Gregory Ihm officiating, where a 10:30 a.m. rosary will be prayed. Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, South Lancaster Township. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. There will be no visitation on Monday. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in memory of Sherlyn A. Ihm to St. Clement Catholic School and/or St. Clement Catholic Church. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with her care.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice, Home Instead, and the Grant County Cancer Coalition for their care and compassion.