September 27, 1955 – December 1, 2023
Sherman Mayerak of Lynwood, went to the Lord on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was the second child born to Stephen and Marienne Mayerak in Blue Island on September 27, 1955. He attended Thornridge, Thornton, and finally Thornwood High School. Sherman was in the first graduating class from Thornwood High School in 1973. Upon graduation, he attended Loyola University and then Thornton Community College. He majored in business. Sherman worked as a floral designer in the family business, Lansing Floral Shop and Greenhouse. Sherman and his brother, Jim Mayerak, eventually became co-owners of Lansing Floral. Sherman continued to work in the floral industry until he retired in January of 2022.
Sherman met his wife, Dawn (Soppet) Mayerak, in the spring of 1974. Sherman and Dawn were married on October 22, 1977, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dolton, Illinois. They had two sons together. They lived in Dolton until 1989 when they relocated to Lynwood, Illinois. Sherman and Dawn were married for 46 years.
Sherman had many roles to fulfill during his life, both personally and professionally. You could find Sherman taking part in Lansing Chamber of Commerce events, where he served as President for two years, working the concession stands at T.F. South sporting events, or volunteering as treasurer of the TF South Booster Club. His community service didn’t end there. Sherman served as the Cubmaster of Dolton Pack 390 for several years. He participated and supported the leaders of Lansing Boy Scout Troop 271 even after his sons had left scouting. He believed in giving back to the community he lived in. Sherman was involved in the Chicagoland chapter of FTD. He attended many national conventions and area-wide events.
Sherman’s free time was spent with his family. Whether it was day trips to the zoo, aquarium, nature center, or weekend camping trips, he enjoyed being active with his family. He was happiest when his house was full of his children and grandchildren, despite the noise and activity level. Later in life Sherman became a motorcycle enthusiast, taking part in new adventures and making new friends. He and Dawn traveled around the country for 17 summers on his motorcycle. He served as the assistant director of the Calumet Area HOG Chapter. Sherman and Dawn loved to travel, seeing new places and meeting new people.
Sherman is survived by his wife, Dawn and their children Jeremiah (Tammy Grzesik) Mayerak, and Joshua (Sara Jensen) Mayerak. He was “PopPop” to his 6 grandchildren, Clara (11), Josephine (8), Benjamin (5), Sterling (5), Jasper (2), and Caleb (2). Sherman’s older brother Jim (Betty) Mayerak is his only remaining sibling. Sherman was a loving and fun uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Sherman is preceded in death by his mother Mary, his younger brother Alan, and his father-in-law Merle Broberg. In addition, Sherman is joining his sister-in-law, Jayne (late Tony Ogborn) Ramirez, brother-in-law Gary Soppet, and nephew Allen (Megan) Soppet in heaven.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schroeder Lauer Funeral Home, located at 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois 60438. Pastor John Richy will officiate a service at 11AM on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the funeral home, with internment immediately following at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, Indiana.
My most sincere condolences to all of Sherman’s family. I am at a loss for words.
As you go through your grieving process, try your best to take comfort in knowing Sherm is with our Creator Almighty God & Savior Jesus Christ. Remember all the good memories we all had with Sherm.
Wes Molenaar