Sheryl “Shery” L. Rudd, age 74, of Gleason, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Shery was born on May 23, 1949 in Eau Claire, Wis., to the late Valentine and Arlene Manthei.
Shery grew up in Eau Claire where she loved playing on the back hill, the field across the street, and spent many hours swimming, fishing, ice skating, and tobogganing at Half Moon Beach. She also enjoyed camping at Totogatic Campground in Minong, Wis. Shery graduated from Memorial High School where she played the flute and piccolo. After graduation, she attended UW-Eau Claire majoring in Art Education.
Shery met the love of her life, Herbert K. Rudd, and were married on Aug. 14, 1971. They were blessed with two beautiful children, April, married to Keith McHugh, of Madison, Wis., and Christopher Rudd, married to Rachel, of Delafield, Wis. She is further survived by her husband of over 52 years, Herb; her brother, Robert Manthei; and her sister, Cindy Peterson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Val and Arlene.
In 1976, the family moved to Oconomowoc, Wis., where Shery dedicated her time to her children as a Girl Scout leader, soccer coach, and made precious memories spending time in their backyard pool. She loved gardening, nature, sewing, arts and crafts, and a good garage sale. She was a talented cook, loved decorating her home, and enjoyed antiques. She cherished holidays with her family. Shery held various jobs while living in Oconomowoc which included working with children at the Head Start Program, in the public library, then being a teacher assistant for Park Lawn Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, and Oconomowoc Middle School. She later worked at the high school in the counseling office. In 2007, Shery and Herb moved to Gleason and purchased their dream home on Pickerel Lake. They enjoyed ATVing, snowmobiling, kayaking, and taking rides on their pontoon boat. Shery joined other ladies on the lake for their Canasta Club, and every Tuesday they had great times together. She also loved their Harley and rode it often, enjoying the outdoors and all its beauty. Shery enjoyed time around the campfire with a good glass of wine and great friends.
Some of her best times were spent with her three granddaughters, Kierstin McHugh, Tobi McHugh, and Kayla Rudd. She loved taking them on hikes through the woods, gem hunts down the dirt roads, catching bugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles to watch and release. They fished off the dock, swam off the pontoon, had picnic lunches, and sat around many campfires with s’mores.
While in Gleason, Shery and Herb had an antique booth in Minocqua where she enjoyed decorating it with all her wonderful finds. She loved traveling in their fifth-wheel trailer and wintered in Florida and Texas pre-pandemic.
Shery was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother (Oma), aunt, sister, and friend who always had a smile and a positive attitude on life. She will be missed dearly but will never be forgotten.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at Aspirus Hospital, Aspirus Cancer Center, Aspirus Hospice, and the Pine Crest Nursing Home. Her life was touched by their wonderful, compassionate care.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Rudd Residence, located at W1666 Bear Trail Rd. in Gleason (Harrison Hills). Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Sheryl’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.