Howard Sherpe

Howard Sherpe, 72, of Westby, died Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Howard M. Sherpe passed away at home in Westby, Wisconsin at the age of 72 on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Howard fought a courageous battle with brain cancer. Howard was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin on May 4, 1944. He graduated from Westby High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in Commercial Art. He lived and worked in Madison, Wisconsin for 37 years and owned his own business, Sherpe Advertising Art. He then moved to Westby and was Marketing Manager for Vernon Communications Coop. Howard and Linda built a house on the back forty of his home farm. Howard served in the U.S. Army and was a combat medic with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1966-67. He was an original board member of The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, Wisconsin. 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. Howard 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 twelve newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He compiled these columns into eight books. Howard 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. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of 49 years, his children, Erik Sherpe of Madison, Wisconsin, and Amy (Tim) Davis of Ixonia, Wisconsin with his two grandchildren, Sean and Anna Davis. Howard is lovingly remembered by his brothers, David (Barbara) Sherpe of Sauk City, Wisconsin, Arden (Janice) of Westby, Wisconsin, and his sister, Janet (Frank) Servais of Mondovi, Wisconsin. He has a number of nieces and nephews. Howard 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 will be held at 1pm on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Pastor Dan Wollman will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday at the Funeral Home from 11am until the time of service at 1pm. 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 of Westby is serving the family.