Howard M. Sherpe, 72, died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 at home in Westby. He fought a courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born May 4, 1944, in Viroqua. He graduated from Westby High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in commercial art. He lived and worked in Madison, for 37 years and owned his own business, Sherpe Advertising Art.
He then moved to Westby and was marketing manager for Vernon Communications Co-op. Howard and Linda built a house on the back forty of his home farm.
He served in the U.S. Army and was a combat medic with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He was an original board member of the Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville, Wis. He was founder of the Nam Ki Do Karate Club for veteran martial arts and meditation. Howard and his son, Erik earned their black belts together in 1987.
He was a member of the writing group, the Deadly Writers Patrol, and went on to write a weekly newspaper column entitled “Across the Fence.” It was published in 12 newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He compiled these columns into eight books.
He was known for his wonderful Norwegian Folk Art Wood Carvings, which have been sold both in the U.S. and abroad. Howard enjoyed reading, walking and running, cross country ski racing, music, theatre and genealogy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of 49 years; his children, Erik Sherpe, Madison, and Amy (Tim) Davis, Ixonia; with his two grandchildren, Sean and Anna Davis; his brothers, David (Barbara) Sherpe, Sauk City, Arden (Janice), Westby; a sister, Janet (Frank) Servais, Mondovi; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Anna Sherpe; his in-laws, Dale and Virginia Bartling; and a sister-in-law, Lori Bartling.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby. Pastor Dan Wollman officiated. Burial with military honors followed in the Coon Prairie Cemetery.
In lieu of plants or flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Westby Norse Fund.
Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, served the family.
