(John) Sherman Schroder

"John" Sherman Schroder

Marion

"John" Sherman Schroder, 87, passed away on November 22, 2025, at Terrace Glen Village in Marion, IA, surrounded by family. In lieu of services, there will be a small gathering of the immediate family in the future to celebrate his life.

Sherman was born October 30, 1938—his father’s birthday—in Webster City, Iowa, to Leo and Buenetta (Millsap) Schroder. He grew up on the family farm in Blairsburg, Iowa, with siblings Bob, Janis, and Al. He spoke of many shenanigans, such as escaping to the roof of the pig pen with his brother Bob to escape Grandma’s wrath. After attending a small rural school in Blairsburg, where he participated in FFA, sports, music and school government, he graduated from Blairsburg High School in 1956.

On October 25, 1958, Sherman was united in marriage to Sally Bickford and worked at The Hub, a men’s clothing store in Webster City. At the time, we are told, he drove a dark blue, late-1950s Mercury coupe that the area’s hot-rodders envied. Shortly after, they relocated to El Paso, Texas, for two years while he served in the Army. Upon completing his service—along with plenty of card playing, picnics, and other good times with friends who grew close—the couple moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked as a draftsman/designer and raised their family. Their daughter, Janna, was born in 1965, and their son, Bradley, in 1967. The family was rounded out by several shelties through the years after the kids finally convinced him that a dog was needed.

Over the years, much time was spent with family, especially watching grandchildren at their sporting events. Sherman was also a superb babysitter. Once, while watching several of his grandchildren alone, he somehow managed to sell their car, clean it out, and complete the paperwork before the parents returned.

His knowledge of how to “fashion” things and perform all sorts of auto and home repairs was passed down. Some of his major achievements included rebuilding the engine of their “good” car himself in the garage, working daily to help his daughter and son-in-law build their home, and re-siding his entire house when he was 70 years old. Card games once again became a favored pastime with friends, as did becoming a driver for Sally and her friends when she was no longer able to drive. He enjoyed watching Hawkeye basketball and football, often with a fresh batch of his signature stovetop popcorn.

Sherman has often been called a kind, gentle, and patient man. Evidence of this includes his mother-in-law naming him “Pal” and his faithful rolling of Sally’s hair every day in her later years when she was no longer able to care for it herself. He consistently took it upon himself to lend a helping hand and bring joy to others, even if it meant simply dropping by to say hello with a treat in hand.

Sherman is survived by his daughter Janna (Jeff) Axline of Robins; son Brad (Maurine) Schroder of Iowa City; sister Janis (Tom) Hicks (Hampton); brother Al Schroder (Blairsburg); sisters-in-law Sue (Jon) Doolittle (Webster City) and Mary Schroder (Ankeny); brother-in-law Jack (Yvonne) Bickford (AZ); 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a niece and several nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally; parents; parents-in-law, Neil and Maxine Bickford; brother Bob Schroder; and nephew Scott Bickford.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Terrace Glen and St. Croix Hospice for their extreme kindness and care.

Donations may be made in Sherman’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Online memories and condolences may be shared on www.iowacremation.com.