Sherry Dawn VanderZwaag, 83, of Montrose passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Brookings Health System in Brookings, SD. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, October 5, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Montrose, SD. Visitation with family present will begin at 3 pm on Sunday with a prayer service at 4 pm, also at the church.
Sherry Dawn VanderZwaag was born July 29, 1943 to George “Lloyd” and Ethel (Riley) Fiferlick in Watertown, SD. She grew up and attended the Henry Schools in Henry, SD. While in school, Sherry met Archie Sanner. Although, she did not complete high school, several years later she earned her G.E.D. Sherry was very proud of that accomplishment. Sherry and Archie were united in marriage on October 15, 1960 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Henry, SD. The family lived between Kansas and South Dakota for several years, finally staying in South Dakota. Archie passed away in 1985. A few years later, she met Kenneth VanderZwaag. They were married on April 20, 1991 at St. Patrick’s Church in Montrose, SD. Ken passed away in 2010.
Sherry loved to read, go for walks, and watch documentaries, science fiction and action movies, Turner Classic Movies, silent films, news programs, and cooking shows.
Sherry’s Roman Catholic faith was central to who she was as a person. She strongly believed in justice, fairness, love, and kindness. Sherry believed in many chances for people. She gave the best hugs and kisses. We will miss you mama and love you always.
Sherry is survived by: her children, Dawn Sanner of Kokomo, IN, Scott (Madonna) Sanner of Sioux Falls, SD, Kirc Sanner of Norfolk, NE, and Forrest Sanner of Montrose,SD; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Bryce VanderZwaag, Bradley VanderZwaag, Christopher VanderZwaag, Kendra Graves, and Kyle VanderZwaag; siblings, Beverly Eggen, Loydeen VanSickle, and Curtis Fiferlick; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Archie and her second husband, Kenneth.
