Sherman D. Hamerla, 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Born on October 31, 1953

Survived by his wife of 50 years, Terri (nee Welch) Hamerla; daughter, Tina (Tony) Westefer and son, Tony (Krystal) Hamerla; 11 grandchildren, Mersades and Devon Singer, Isaac, Delani, Khloe and Kylie Hamerla, Dylan Jones, Tyler, Hailey, Mikella and Olivia Westefer; 3 great-grandchildren, Avery and LeLand Singer and Carson Westefer; three brothers, Don Hamerla, Tom (Marilyn) Hamerla and John (Sarah) Hamerla; sister-in-law, Lisa (Mike) Barrowman; nephew, Jake Barrowman, brother-in-law, Mike Cronmiller and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father, Casimer Hamerla and mother, Marchetta (Litzen) Hamerla; sister, Donna (Hamerla) Cronmiller; brother, Casimir Hamerla; father-in-law, Joseph Welch and mother-in-law, Violet (McKanna) Welch; brother-in-law, Joseph Welch Jr (infancy).

Baseball was his passion; pitching was his remarkable ability. At JT Central High School, summer leagues and a short stint at Lewis College on a scholarship, he was always an 'All Star' pitcher. His record was legendary. No hitters and double-digit strike out numbers were commonplace during those early years. However, God had other plans, family and building his business became his focus.

Sherman worked at Texaco, Uno-Ven and Clark Refinery before starting his business Abel Construction, with his son. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He loved walking the trails and feeding his birds. He recently wrote a published book he was very proud of accomplishing

He will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him

A special thank you to Lightways Hospice and to his caretaker Maureen Swiersz, who from all he had exceptional care.

Funeral services for Sherman will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of services. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park II (Hills of Rest). In lieu of flowers donations in his name to either, Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society or Humane World for Animals would be appreciated.