Jan Paul Sherwood, 79, passed away peacefully in Ames, Iowa, on July 13th.

Born in East Lansing, Michigan, to Charles and Delores Sherwood, Jan grew up in Gilbert, Iowa. He loved Gilbert—its small town grit and charm, close-knit community, and being near his cousins. The roots it gave him remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Jan earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University and worked in engineering and construction for more than 50 years. In the 1970s, he began his career with soil sampling and site evaluation. In the 1980s, he played a key role in laying fiber optics and cable TV infrastructure throughout the Midwest. In the 1990s, he focused on environmental engineering, and in the 2000s, he contributed to coastal projects in Savannah, Georgia, and Galveston, Texas. In the 2010s, he continued his work in project management, lending his deep experience and steady hand to a wide range of initiatives. Jan loved to show off his accomplishments—if you were in the car with him, you were bound to take a detour.

Jan married Mary in 1977, and together they raised their children in Nevada, Iowa. He cherished time with his family—especially annual trips to the Iowa State Fair, outdoor adventures at Ledges State Park, and canoeing down the Skunk River. No fair trip was complete without once losing track of the kids—true to form, Jan always stayed calm and eventually rounded everyone up again.

He had a gift for working with his hands and could fix just about anything. He especially loved "junking" with Mary—cruising down two-lane highways in search of forgotten treasures, repurposing the old into something useful or beautiful. They also treasured their time along the coast, taking in the ocean views. At home, Jan found peace in the garden.

He was a strong and loving anchor for the family, especially in his role as a grandfather. Jan was always ready for the next adventure—taking the grandkids to alligator reserves, kayaking, nature parks, or anywhere they could have a new experience. He loved having them around, especially when there was yard work to do—and they loved helping him. He never thought they were too young to "learn" new things.

Jan was a proud volunteer for several organizations, most recently serving as a board member for Prairie Rivers of Iowa, and earlier in life as President of the Ames Elks Lodge—reflecting his commitment to conservation and community.

In Mary's final years, Jan was her devoted caregiver, offering steady love and quiet strength through every moment.

Jan is survived by his children: Amy (Tom) Mahoney, Jeff (Sherry) Hobbs, Jonathan Sherwood (Antonio), and Sarah (Mark) Makovec. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Steven Mahoney, Molly (Vanessa) Mahoney, Jalen Lancaster, Kaley (Mason) Lancaster, Linken Lancaster, Liz Makovec, and Ethan Makovec; his brother Dave (Joan) Sherwood; sister Mary (Lynn) Martin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, his parents, his sister Sandra (Don) Sheldon, granddaughter Abby Mahoney, grandson Leo Mahoney, and nephews Mason and Eric Hines.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 followed by a memorial service  at 11:45 a.m. at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. He will be laid to rest in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. A reception and lunch will follow at 1543 Fawcett Pkwy in Nevada.

Memorials may be made to Prairie Rivers of Iowa or Story County Conservation.