John Russell Sherer

John Russell Sherer, age 67, of Lake Mary, FL passed away surrounded by family on April 29, 2026. He was born on January 27, 1959 in Oshkosh, WI to the late John D. & Carolyn (Hoppock) Sherer.

Growing up in Oshkosh, his three older sisters were thrilled to have a brother join the family. John attended Longfellow School, Emmeline Cook Elementary, and Webster Stanley Middle School. It was in his youth that sports became a huge part of his life, beginning with YMCA football and Little League baseball. He later took up golf at the Oshkosh Country Club.

John’s dad was his biggest fan and encourager. Together they made many memories hunting ducks as members of the Fox River Hunting and Fishing Club. They also attended many Packers games, leading John to be a lifelong Packer fan. John also appreciated music and was inspired by Maynard Ferguson. He loved playing the trumpet, finding enjoyment in the instrument throughout his life.

John attended Oshkosh North High School, where he loved playing basketball and running track. His 1975 4x400 relay record still stands today; a point he enjoyed reminding his great-nephews and niece at North, about often! John graduated from Oshkosh North High School in 1977.

While earning his degree at UW-Oshkosh John worked at Mabel Murphy’s; a job and establishment he remembered with fondness decades later. After graduating college, he began what would become an accomplished career that took him to FL where he met his greatest love, Patti.

John lived a full and blessed life alongside Patti and their beloved dogs throughout the years. After thirty-five years in the mortgage banking industry, John retired in 2018. He enjoyed boating, playing golf, and spending time with close friends. While most of John’s adult life was spent in FL, he stayed steadfastly connected to his Oshkosh roots. He read the local papers online daily, streamed countless Oshkosh North basketball games in recent years, and kept tabs on North track, cross-country and golf results. At times it felt like he knew more about what was going on in Oshkosh than those of us who lived here!

While there may have been a geographical distance for many years, he never felt too far away. So, he was beyond thrilled when the opportunity arose to have a second home in Oshkosh in the same neighborhood he was born and grew up in. Their summer home in Oshkosh was more than a respite from the FL summer heat. It was a place that gave him purpose, where he could be close to family, and soak up the Lake Winnebago views.

John is survived by his treasured wife of thirty-three years, the yin to his yang, Patti and his "best friend” Lambeau. Sisters: Lisa Sherer Laughlin, Ginnie (Dick Oelschlager) Sherer, and Anne Harrison. Nephews: Drew Martin, R. David (Bee) Harrison Jr., Loren (Tania) Harrison, John (Rachel) Harrison and Charlie (Meghan) Harrison. Uncle John is loved and will be deeply missed by his nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as his close friends. A special thanks to his dearest friends, Bill and Chris Rose, whose love and loyalty knows no bounds. Their greatest gift was driving John's “best friend” Lambeau from FL to Oshkosh, so he could spend his final days with him.

John's humor, decisive nature, and hard-working character made him a source of wisdom and laughs for those who knew him. He had a story for nearly any situation or circumstance. We will miss his anecdotes, quick-wit, and words-of-wisdom; all of which he had in spades. We’ll remember all his “John-isims” with fondness and love. “It’s a beautiful thing”; “there you have it”. JRS