Sherman V. Erlandson

Sherman V. Erlandson, 90, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was known for his wit, sense of humor, relentless work ethic, and love for his family. Sherman believed that any job you did should be done well.

Sherman was born May 24, 1934, near Esofea, WI to Chester and Ivy (Sanding) Erlandson. He was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church by the Reverend O.M. Klevin. When he was just a young boy, his family moved to the township of Christiana where he would farm for 46 years. He attended Unseth Grade School, Westby HS, and one year at Platteville College. Sherman was proud to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserves for eight years. On October 30th, 1954, he married Esther Engh, his HS sweetheart. He dedicated his life to dairy farming, his family and his community. Sherman was chosen as Outstanding Young Farmer by the Westby Kiwanis Club and he and Esther went on to develop a respected herd of Registered Holstein cattle. Sher-Est Southwind Saturday produced embryos & bulls that were sold worldwide. He served on the town board, Vernon County Board, Westby Board of Education, Vernon County Holstein Board, and Tri-State Breeders. After retiring, he was a bus driver for the Westby School District, and he worked for Auto Value in Viroqua. Sherman enjoyed watching sports, golfing, fishing, coffee at the Rod and Gun, and going to the casino. 

Sherman is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Esther; his daughters, Lisa (Bill) Craig and Lori (Paul) Moe, and his sons, Scott (Diane) Erlandson and Jamey (Raya) Erlandson. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda (Ben) Chenault, Erik (Mandy) Craig, Ben (Vanessa) Moe, Makenzie Michelson, Bradley Erlandson, Jeanne (Evan) Erlandson, Brandon Sebranek, Mikaela (Lenny) Frederick, and Kylie (Jon) Frederick. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Noah, Brendan, Bradynn, Addison, Ryker, Myles, Hudson, Lewin, Ahlayna, and Abel. Sherman is also survived by his sister, Carol Navrestad, and brother, Rod (Rita) Erlandson. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Shelly, his parents, and siblings, Donna, Ernest, Jim, Richard and Donald.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 5th at 11:00 am at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church with visitation from 9-11am where friends and family will gather to celebrate his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. The Seland Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Vernon Acres and at Vernon MEMORIAL hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care.

Sherman will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

” To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”