Sherri Gayle (Murdick) Wasielewski, 51, of Hayward, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Sherri was born September 21, 1962 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter of Franklin and Audrey (Neal) Murdick. She grew up near Fremont, Missouri and graduated from Van Buren High School, Van Buren, Missouri in 1981.

In 1983, Sherri enlisted and served in the United States Army for 28 years, 20 years active duty and 8 years in the Army Reserve. She retired from active duty in 2012 as Sergeant First Class after serving at posts including San Francisco, California, Berlin, Germany, and Washington D.C. Sherri was a veteran of the Gulf War Era and Operation Joint Endeavor-Bosnia. She earned numerous medals including two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, three Army Superior Unit Awards, Army of Occupation Medal, four Army Good Conduct Medals, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three AR Components Overseas Training Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the AR Components Achievement Medal. Sherri's service took her to different parts of the world where she touched the lives of many soldiers. Her patriotism and discipline learned in the Army never left her.

Sherri's service to country and community continued after her retirement. She played a key role in the establishment of the United Women Veterans-Northwestern Chapter. She was active in the Northwoods Humane Society, Hayward Lure of Lights, Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association, and Blue Hills H.O.G.
Sherri was proceeded in death by her husband, Bruce Joseph Wasielewski on March 19, 2010. She was also proceeded in death by a brother, Joseph Murdick on August 18, 1954 and a great-nephew, Bryce Shadwick on August 20, 2013.

Sherri is survived by her parents, Franklin and Audrey Murdick, of Fordland, Missouri; step-daughter, Nicole Wasielewski (James Dellafiora); step-granddaughter, Delanie; brothers and sisters, Scott (Kathy) Murdick of Jefferson City, Missouri, Sandra Mattli of California, Maryland, Lynn (Ronda) Murdick of Van Buren, Missouri, Bruce Murdick of Van Buren, Missouri, Susan (Gerald) Fleming of Springfield, Missouri, and Robin (Timothy) Wood of Jefferson City, Missouri. She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Christopher (Carrie) Murdick, Colin (Jessica) Murdick, Justin (Zarine Dorabji) Mattli, Hillary (Nathan) Shadwick, Jarrett (Katie) Mattli, Hayley (Jesse) Little, Joshua (Halley) Fleming, Joel (Amy) Fleming, Emily Sellinger, Sam Lasage, Maya Wood, and Norah Wood; great-nephews and great-nieces, Caitlyn Murdick, Dylan Parris, Ashlyn Murdick, Cade Murdick, Avery Parris, Colton Murdick, Brody Shadwick, Brock Fleming, Kula Dorabji-Mattli, Piper Little, and Teagan Fleming.

Sherri is remembered by a multitude of friends from all walks of life and holds a special place in the hearts of her nieces and nephews. She and Bruce are also survived by their miniature poodle, Jacques.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward, Wisconsin. Rev. Gary Hilgendorf will officiate. Burial will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors accorded by the State of Wisconsin Military Honors Team. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2014 and on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Casket bearers will be members of the United Women Veterans-Northwestern Chapter.

Memorials are suggested to Northwoods Humane Society, Box 82, Hayward, WI 54843 or to the United Women Veterans-Northwestern Chapter, Spooner, WI.