Joseph Owen Sherman

Joseph Owen Sherman, age 76 of Babbitt, MN passed away on March 14, 2026 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

Joe was born in Hibbing, MN on March 11, 1950 to Joseph and Patricia Sherman. He moved to Babbitt as a child where he was a standout high school diver before graduating from JFK High School in 1968. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Air Force where he served as a crew chief with the “Wild Weasles”  F-105 Thunderchief fighter jet unit. Post Vietnam he joined the Army National Guard in which he spent over 20 years as a tank commander and platoon sergeant. Joe was very proud to be a veteran and later served on the honor guard for over 35 years.

In the private sector, Joe spent many years working as an equipment operator in the Iron Range mining industry. He worked for Reserve Mining Company, LTV Steel and North Shore Mining Company which he retired from in 2012.

Joe met the love of his life Debra Ann Solberg in 1974 and they were married on September 6, 1975. They made their home in Babbitt where they raised their children, Danette and Eric. As a couple they spent years enjoying riding around on their motorcycle, houseboating on Birch Lake or going for a cruise in their 1964 Chevy Impala. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a large gathering of friends and family last fall.

Joe was extremely well known for his selfless spirit. He was a member of the Babbitt Lion’s Club for over 25 years. He served as club president twice and was a three-time District 5M10 zone chairman. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was well known for being incredibly lovable and he had an amazing ability to make new friends within minutes of meeting someone for the first time. His love for animals meant no dog was safe from being fed a treat and every belly was meant to be scratched. He will be missed by his two cats Jiggs and Squeaker who were spoiled and overfed treats daily.

Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed sharing it with all of his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and could frequently be found wetting a line on Tofte Lake or napping on the couch in his icehouse on Birch Lake. As a hunter, he enjoyed grouse hunting and although he gave up deer hunting years ago his love for it was rekindled in his 70s when he started hunting again with his son Eric.

He is survived by his wife Debra, daughter Danette (Brent) Sherman of Finland MN, son Eric (Holly) Sherman of Ely; grandchildren Ashley (Robert) Carpenter of Babbitt, Jalani (Hailey) Brown of Eveleth, Natalie Sundvick of Duluth, Madison Sundvick of Finland MN, Zachariah Smith of Ely, Brooklyn Sherman of Ely and 5 great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his siblings David Sherman of Babbitt, Patricia Sherman of Elk River; mother-in-law Elaine Solberg and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Particia Sherman, brothers John Sherman, and Michael Sherman and his father-in-law Harvey Solberg.

Funeral arrangements are made with Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Funeral services will be at 11AM on Saturday, March 28th at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with visitation starting at 10AM. Lunch will be provided in the church hall immediately following the service. Burial will take place at Argo Cemetery in Babbitt at a later date.

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