Sherrie Lynn Abt, 59, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. After a courageous four-year battle with liver cancer, Sherrie’s unwavering spirit and dedication to family and friends will forever be remembered. This article serves as a tribute to her life and legacy.
A Life Dedicated to Family and Hard Work
Born on March 20, 1958, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Irene (Dahl) Riehle, Sherrie grew up on the family farm in Athens with her eight siblings. She received her education at a Catholic school in Athens until the 8th grade and graduated from Athens High School in 1976. Sherrie’s work ethic was evident throughout her life. She dedicated herself to farming, worked for Marathon Cheese, and spent the last two decades of her career at Kolbe & Kolbe as a window sill manufacturer until her illness prevented her from continuing in November 2017. Sherrie married Bruce Abt on September 3, 1993, in a ceremony held at their home.
A Loving and Resilient Spirit
Sherrie was known for her compassionate nature, selflessness, and unwavering positivity. She consistently expressed her love and affection for those she cared about, offering hugs freely and words of encouragement. While residing in Marathon, Wisconsin, Sherrie’s passion for gardening flourished, resulting in thriving and bountiful gardens. In her leisure time, she enjoyed expressing her musical talents through karaoke, particularly singing songs by the Carpenters, Stevie Nicks, and Aerosmith, a passion she nurtured since childhood.
Sherrie’s resilience shone brightly throughout her life. In 1993, she faced a significant challenge when she lost an eye to ocular melanoma. Undeterred, she adapted to this change, relearning to drive and persevering with unwavering determination. Four years prior to her passing, Sherrie was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. Her strength and resolve allowed her to cherish four more precious years with her loved ones while receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the Aspirus Oncology Department.
Celebrating Sherrie’s Life and Legacy
Sherrie is survived by her husband of 24 years, Bruce; her children, Mandy and Travis (and his fiancée, Mao); her grandchildren, Harley, Mariyah, Sierra, and Mary; her parents, Herbert and Irene Riehle; her eight siblings; her mother-in-law, June Abt; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; her beloved cats, Buster and Maizy Baby; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Edward Abt.
A funeral service to honor Sherrie’s life was held on February 23, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau, officiated by Fr. Nate Kuhn. She was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic, Aspirus Wausau Hospital Oncology Department, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their unwavering support and care during Sherrie’s final battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.
