Obituary of Sherry-Jo Thom
Sherry-Jo Henle was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on March 6, 1947. She was one of four daughters born from the union of George Henle and Mildred (Woglom) Henle. She graduated with the Class of 1965 from Sheboygan North High School. She continued her education at Columbia Nursing School, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin becoming a Registered Nurse in 1968 in Wisconsin.
Sherry married the love of her life, Allan Thom on September 28, 1968 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the Fall of 1970, the couple moved to Monroe, Michigan. They found a church home at Trinity Lutheran Church where they could be nourished and play an integral role in ministry. They served the congregation together in many capacities. Sherry was a member of the Adult Choir, served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Bethel Bible Series Instructor, participated with Demolishing Strongholds, the Truth Project, and Agape Bible Study. She was a member of the Evening Bible Study, Pastoral Support Committee, Fellowship Committee, Altar Guild, and volunteered to serve Funeral Service Luncheons. She worked with the Youth, as an Usher, and was part of the Alaska VBS Team from 1998-2016. Sherry taught Vacation Bible School, served on the Lutheran High School Association Board for six years, was a former member of the Spiritual Life Committee, a Stephens Minister, served in the nursery, and she helped to begin the church Prayer Chain.
Sherry was truly a beautiful soul, because first and foremost, she loved her Lord. The Light of Christ certainly shown through all that she did. Sherry became a homemaker and she and Al opened their home to foster children. Over the years, she used her resources as a nurse to care for the special needs of more than 25 children. Many lives were changed because of her love.
Sherry stayed active by swimming at the YMCA. She loved to complete crafts such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. She enjoyed traveling, taking trips with family and friends, and visiting relatives. She liked the warmth of the sun against her skin and could often be found tending to the flowers in her garden. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren.
Sherry-Jo Thom, age 75, of Monroe passed away at 6:52am on Friday; November 25, 2022 at Medilodge of Monroe. Her passing was preceded by her parents.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of fifty-four years: Allan Thom of Monroe; eight children: Christine Thom of Sarasota, Florida, Matthew (Becky) Thom of Avon, Indiana, Carmen (Craig) Whitwam of Monroe, Mychal (Lauren) Thom of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Caitlyn (Troy) VanValkenburg of Walker, Michigan, Cari Thom of Wichita, Kansas, Marc Thom of Monroe, and MacJohn (Melissa) Thom of Erie, Michigan; three sisters: Deb (Jimmy) Gillman of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, Geri Henle (Ruth Vitaglione) of Long Island, New York, and Lori (Dale) Genske of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; seventeen grandchildren: Maddux and Logan Thom, Lyndsay (Josh) Barth, Alec Whitwam, and McKaila Whitwam, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Malachi Thom, Grayson and Emelyn VanValkenburg, Ciara, Ariana, and Gabriella Ault, Adalynn, Kaiden, Jaxson, and Hudson Thom; one great granddaughter: Layla Barth.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday; November 30, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. She will lie in state from 11:30am until the Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life at 12:00pm on Thursday; December 1, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. The Reverend Dr. Daniel Potts will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for entombment.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, or Alzheimer’s Research/Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.