September 23, 1930—June 13, 2020
SCAPPOOSE, OR - Alma Anna (Koehler) Sherpe, 89, formerly of Sparta, passed away peacefully in her home in Scappoose, Oregon surrounded by family on May 27, 2020. We invite you to join us on June 13, 2020 at 12:00 Noon (CST) for a live-stream memorial service to honor and celebrate of the Life and Faith of Alma. Service details are listed below.
Alma was born on September 23, 1930, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Otto and Minna Koehler. She graduated from Sparta High School in 1948. On August 20, 1950, she married Johnny Sherpe at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta. Together they were blessed with four children: Rodney, Johnny, twins Mike and Mary. In 1959, the family moved to Roundup, Montana, when Johnny was promoted to welder foreman for the Milwaukee Railroad. They transferred back to the Sparta area in 1975.
Alma was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer and friend to many. She had a servant’s heart and reached out to those around her with acts of kindness that came from a genuine place of love and generosity.
She was very active in her church (Zion Lutheran in Roundup and Trinity Lutheran in Sparta). She served as a Sunday School teacher, altar guild member, offering counter and was a member of the Women’s Circle group. She also spent many hours volunteering at the local food pantry. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, gardening and following Johnny’s band to various events around Wisconsin. She was an avid Green Bay Packer’s fan!
In 2016, Alma moved to Scappoose, Oregon, to live with her son Rodney and his wife, Teresa. She became a member of First Lutheran Church in St. Helens, Oregon where she immediately made many friends.
Alma is survived by her sister Lorraine Schultz of New Lisbon, WI; children Rodney (Teresa) Sherpe of Scappoose, OR; Johnny Sherpe of Dearborn Heights, MI; Mike (Lynn) Sherpe of Centennial, CO; and Mary (Tom) Monat of South Lyon, MI; grandchildren Dana, Katie, Brian, Aaren, Sarah, Johnny, Matthew, Mary Beth, Luke, Tommy, Andy, Joshua; and 9 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny, in 2009; parents Otto and Minna; brother, Heinz Koehler; sister, Margaret Koehler; daughter-in-law, Pam Sherpe; granddaughters Melissa and Kristy Sherpe; grandson, Jacob Sherpe.
Columbia Funeral Home and Cremation Center in St. Helens, Oregon is handling all the arrangements. Please view their website at https://www.columbiafh.com/ to receive memorial service information and to share your favorite memory of Alma with her family.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity.
O God of grace and glory, we remember our sister, Alma. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us your aid, so we may see in death the gate to eternal life, that we may continue our course on earth in confidence until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Service Information:
Live stream video from Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Greenwood Village, Colorado June 13, 2020 at 12:00 Noon. (CST)
Join Video Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86941022219
Join Zoom Meeting by Audio only on your phone by dialing: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-312-626-6799 When prompted enter meeting ID: 869 4102 2219
