George Scherb, 81, died on July 23, 2015 in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
He joins his first love, Mary, in God’s heavenly kingdom. He leaves behind his angel, wife Dorothy Heim Bentler; sister Eleanor (John) Kachmarik; brother Walter (Beverly) Scherb; beloved daughters Caryn and Lauryn; and cherished grandchildren of whom he was so fiercely proud: Andrew, the “big guy” and his fishing buddy; Jack, his “special;” and Kathryn, his “sweetheart” and the apple of his eye. He is also survived by loving stepchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Barlow, Elisa (Tom) Sand, Bridget (Mike) Purchatzke, Brian (Teresa) Bentler and Laura (Kellen) Gintner; step-grandchildren Katie, Emily, Brenna, Jazzmen, Lexie, Serena, Levi, Adelyn, Karah, Dorothy, Bethany and Nathan; as well as his extended family, and many close and life-long friends.
George was born on March 25, 1934 and raised in Chicago, the son of Eleanor Pagel and Louis Scherb. He spoke often and proudly of his parents from whom he inherited his tremendous work ethic. George graduated with degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota, and was a lifelong educator, in and out of the classroom. To him, every circumstance presented a teachable moment, which is why his children and grandchildren know (or should know) their way around all sorts of power tools, engines, rifles, tractors and tackle boxes. George could fix anything with the right tools, and liked to do things himself. He appreciated the value of a dollar. He was never shy about offering his opinion on the right way to get things done. He loved fishing, tinkering, and good food, including a good plate of liver & onions, raw hamburger with a slice of onion on rye, and a dish of home made pastichio. His delicious smoked fish and turkey were eagerly devoured and fondly remembered by family and friends, and he made a mean whiskey sour cocktail.
George raised his family in Wilmette, and was deeply involved with his church and teacher’s union. Upon his retirement from Niles Township High School, where he taught AP United States History, Waupaca became home. George was very active with the Waupaca Lion’s Club and Historical Society, and enjoyed his treks around town delivering Meals on Wheels. He made many treasured friends. Among other things, his grandchildren will miss his love, generosity of spirit, sense of humor, funny faces and corned beef.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1235 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial immediately thereafter in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Mary Scherb.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48