Earl "Sherb" Larson Sherburne

Earl "Sherb" Larson Sherburne, 75, of Maplewood, MN died suddenly on June 17, 2021, at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN. He was born in Washington, D.C., on September 28, 1945, to Verlin and Ethel (Larson) Sherburne. He grew up in Pierre, South Dakota, and graduated from Riggs High School in 1963, Augustana College (BA) in 1967, the University of Northern Colorado (MA) in 1974, and the University of Minnesota (Ph.D.) in 1981. Sherb was a music educator for 48 years. He began conducting high school bands in MN and met Sonja Steele when they were both teaching in Belle Plaine. They were married at Concordia Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, MN, on June 12, 1976. Their son Erik was born while they lived in Columbus, NE, and they moved shortly thereafter to Minneapolis and lived in the basement of a church as caretakers while Sherb pursued his doctorate. He completed all coursework and his dissertation in two years while also working part time. Their son Kirk was born while they lived in the church. Dr. Sherburne was a professor of music at several Midwestern colleges and universities, but he was most thrilled to end his career back at his alma mater conducting Augustana's Brass Choir and the Community Band. He felt honored that his final concert was as conductor of the Sioux Empire Brass Society with the program including "Suite Again" (which he wrote based on the music for Kirk's wedding) and "Lasting Tribute" (which Erik wrote). As a double major in music and drama, Sherb enjoyed the theater, but he was most well-known for his knowledge and love of musicals. Whether he was writing, acting, or directing, he always had the entire production memorized. Their trip together to NYC to see musicals on Broadway is a trip his wife, sons, and daughters-in-law will always cherish. Although he spent the majority of his life on stage, in retirement he preferred being the audience for the at-home performances created by his four young grandchildren. His grandchildren brought out the silliness in him none of us knew he had. In addition to a jazz liturgy and a cantata, Sherb wrote a wealth of compositions including works for bands, jazz bands, brass choirs, choirs, orchestras, and musical theater. He wrote and conducted music for the weddings of both sons. Most recently he, Erik, and Gary Legwold were developing "Lefse: the Musical". As a father he was always involved with his sons. He coached them to championships in youth soccer and baseball and continued to cheer them on at soccer games for 37 years. Family trips always involved baseball stadiums, but the most memorable for him was when he took his sons to the World Series. A man of deep faith, Sherb was always involved in church and often served as pulpit supply for many rural churches in the various places he lived. If he knew your name, he prayed for you. During the long COVID-19 months of isolation, Sherb and Sonja often said how smart and blessed they were to have chosen each other as life partners. They cherished precious time together walking, reading, dancing, playing games, and developing several themed landscape gardens. Since Sherb always gave Sonja a rose on the 12th of every month, it is most fitting that their last project together was a rose garden. Sherb was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Sonja, his wife of 45 years of Maplewood, MN; son, Erik (Kaia); their children, Norah and Madeline; son, Kirk (Kari); their children, Solomon, and Raina, all of Roseville, MN; brother, Paul (Cheryl) Sherburne of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and extended family, friends, former students, and the many who benefited because he was an organ donor. Visitation will be Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 4:00-8:00 PM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL Funeral Home, 515 Highway 96 West, Shoreview, MN. The Memorial Service will be at 3:00 PM, Friday, July 16 (with visitation one hour prior to service) at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Road, Shoreview. COVID-19 precautions will be in place for both events. Cards may be sent to the family, care of HHBP Funeral Home, 515 Hwy 96 W., Shoreview, MN 55126. The family requests memorials be given in the form of flowers and time to those you cherish. There will never be a better time. 651-482-7606

Tributes

Earl "Sherb" Larson Sherburne

September 28, 1945 - June 17, 2021

Tributes

Earl "Sherb" Larson Sherburne

September 28, 1945 - June 17, 2021

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