Sherman Patrick Sword

Sherman Patrick Sword, 79, of Forest Lake, MN passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1947 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Sherman J. and Helen (Bentley) Sword.

Sherman grew up in Stevens Point and graduated from Pacelli High School and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It was there, while working as a manager at 51 Drive-In Theater, that he met Dawn Fritsche. They married on January 24, 1970 and shared 56 years of marriage.

After college, Sherman began his career as an assistant controller at American Hoist & Derrick in Minneapolis, later taking on roles with the company that brought his family to Duluth, MN. He went on to serve as Vice President at Peerless Welders in St. Paul, MN, then started his own business, Sword’s Point Specialties (SPS) providing accounting services to local small businesses. Later in his career, he brought his detail-oriented approach to patient care coordination at Fairview Health Services before retiring.

Sherman was deeply proud of his Irish heritage and treasured time with his family. He loved hosting family gatherings and cooking for them. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. During retirement he enjoyed woodworking with his friend Mike Palmer. He was proud of his workshop and the pieces he crafted for friends and family. In between, he liked a drive around town with Dawn, often including a trip to Dairy Queen for a twist cone. He was a sports fan, following the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs, and even the Minnesota Twins on a nice summer day.

For nearly 30 years, Sherman was an active and dedicated member of the recovery community, and he took great pride in his service and support to those in recovery.

Sherman is survived by his wife, Dawn; his daughters, Shawn Anne (John) Buttschau, Tracy Sword, Kelly (Jason) Kowalczak and Carey (Brent) MacLennan; and six grandchildren, Riley, Jesse and Kaylee Kowalczak and Anna, Maddie and Robbie MacLennan. He is further survived by sisters-in-law, Linda (John) Verbiscar, Lisa (Brian) Jirgl; and brother-in-law, Mark (Patti) Fritsche along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friend, Dave Ongstad.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Alice Bertram; as well as in-laws, James and Anna Jean Fritsche.

Sherman’s life will be celebrated with a gathering of family of friends from 3-6 PM on Saturday, October 10th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake.

Memorials may be directed to St. Therese at St. Odilia Hospice in Shoreview, MN or a recovery program of donor’s choice.