Sherman Curtiss Mankell

Sherman Curtiss Garner Mankell, 85, of New London passed away Monday November 18 at his home in rural New London.  His funeral will be 11:00 am, Monday, November 25th at the Evangelical Covenant Church of New London with burial to follow at Lake Florida Mission Covenant Cemetery of New London.  Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 pm, Sunday November 24th, at Johnson Funeral Home in New London and continue on Monday one hour prior to the service.  Memorials can be sent to the Lake Florida Mission Covenant Church or as the family wishes.

Sherman was born January 19, 1934 at home to Herman and Cora(Christopherson) Mankell.  He attended school at District 25 then graduated from New London High School.  He continued his education for two years of farm school at the University of Minnesota.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Lake Florida Mission Covenant Church.  He farmed his whole life.  In 1963, he married Bette Mattson of Kensington at the Kensington Lutheran Church.  They were blessed with three children:  Jennifer, Judy, and JoAnna.

Sherman was an active member at the Evangelical Covenant Church of New London serving as an usher, deacon, and board member.  He was also sextant at the Lake Florida Mission Church where he served as board chairman and helped with upkeep for many years.  Sherman served on the Kandiyohi County Soil and Water Conservation Board for 32 years and was also chosen as Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1980.  Additionally, he served on the Arctander Lake Andrew Fire and Wind Assn. for 15 years.

He loved duck hunting, baseball, camping, and traveling many times to Australia and Alaska.  He loved his farm and raising various animals, especially sheep. 

Sherman is survived by his wife, Bette; daughters: Jennifer (and Owen) Ellis of Perth, Australia, Judy (and Jason) Malacko of New London, and JoAnna(and Mark) Hill of Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands; twelve grandchildren:  Ashleigh (and James) Stevens, Benjamin, Isaac, and Maddison Ellis; Abigail, Kjersti, Gabriel, and Mattias Hill; Joelle, Jennah, Jhett, and Jacob Malacko.  He is survived by one brother Rev. Douglas (and DeAnn) Mankell of St. Louis, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sherman is preceded in death by his siblings: Orlynn Mankell, Marjorie Larimer, MaryAnn Petteway, Marlys Schilz, and Dale Mankell (infant); also by his parents Herman and Cora Mankell.

He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law.  He said, “God has blessed us with them all”.   He was so looking forward to the 150th Anniversary of the Lake Florida Mission Church in August.

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