Michael Sherman

Mike Sherman (Sherm) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 5th, 1956.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Harry and Thel Sherman, and his sister, Cheryl (David) Perry.

Mike’s family eventually settled in Iowa, first in Windsor Heights; the family soon moved to their new home in Ankeny, Iowa.

In Ankeny Mike graduated from high school in 1974 and it was during those adolescent years that he met many of his lifelong friends.

Mike attended Iowa State University; he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1978.  In 1979, Mike learned that the Chicago Northwestern Railroad was hiring engineers and conductors; he applied immediately, attended engineers’ classes in Chicago, Illinois, and after passing his classwork and certification, he hired out as a Locomotive Engineer.

On May 18th, 1985, Mike married Stacey (Buckingham) Sherman; his wife of 39 years.

Eventually, the Chicago Northwestern was purchased by the Union Pacific Railroad.  After the transition Mike signed on with the U.P.

Mike loved his career as an engineer. It suited him perfectly; every day was different, there weren’t four walls and a water cooler. Often the scenery and wildlife to see out the window of the cab were among Iowa’s most bucolic.  The dogs barking, the farm kids running towards the track, excitedly pumping their arms to get him to blow the whistle, the frosty sunrises, the rain driving down in sheets, the fields of gold and green- all made it worth every hard moment and mile.  Well, most of the time it did anyway.

Trips were often during relentless weather conditions, and to finally sleep, when an opportunity presented itself, was often found to be not nearly long enough.

These are real hardships that all “Rails”- and their families- endure; a baffling schedule, a roster that demanded availability 7 days a week, 24 hours a day; those facts were only buffeted by a Band of Brothers; it’s the person sitting in the cab next to you that can make it a “not horrible” trip.  They relied on each other using the knowledge that only time and experience can teach, as well as a fair amount of bubble gum, baling wire, duct tape, and a well packed grip.

Unfortunately, Mikes forty-plus year career came to an abrupt end when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer in 2015.  Mike loved, and was loved by, all of his doctors, nurses, and staff members.  We will be forever grateful. Mike was especially grateful for his general practitioner, Dr Basil Hassan. It was Dr Hassan’s concern and attention to a blood clot that sent Mike to the hematologist where his cancer was eventually discovered.

He endured long treatments and seemed to have beaten the cancer back until it recurred in February of 2024.  Mike underwent CarT Cell Therapy at the University of Iowa Hospital beginning on April 10th, 2024.  He was released on April 28th to go home, recover, and move on with the life he planned.

Mike loved golf, motor sports, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and his 1996 Harley Springer Softail.  Always busy, always planning ahead, always solving the day’s issues both large and small, Mike liked to work hard and stay busy.  Whatever he did and wherever he went, he was fully present and participating.  He got it done and done well.

His death was sudden and came as a tremendous shock to everyone, but especially to Mike.  In no way was it anticipated, and the loss is overwhelming for everyone who loved and cared for him, but for Stacey it is nothing short of devastating.

Mike would be humbled by the outpouring of love and offers of support.  He would be touched to his very core by the words said and the sincerity with which they have been spoken.  Grace, peace, and gratitude will be with both of us forever to have been blessed by so many people that have made our days so much brighter; adding sweet memories and laughter to our journey and helping make our burdens light and our life so full.

Love and Thanks,

Mike & Stac

**Mike’s Celebration of Life is planned, for a date soon to be set- in June. Notice will be given on social media as well as email.**