MARY SCHERER

      Mary Ruth Pope Scherer, 91, peacefully passed away Aug. 14, 2017, at Aurora Medical Center in Summit.

Mary was born near DeKalb, Texas on May 22, 1926. The daughter of World War I veteran, Lewis Winfield Pope and Helen Gould Robertson Pope, she was one of 11 children. After a lively, loving childhood, she graduated from high school at the age of 16 and headed to college having skipped two grades. She worked at the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas during World War II. She learned to fly in a Piper Cub and often mentioned that she was never hired as a pilot because she was female – but could never be a stewardess as she wasn’t tall enough.

After World War II, Mary’s older sister Elaine married fighter pilot Joe Calvit. Joe’s wingman, a young Wisconsinite, Edwin Scherer stopped for a visit. On May 27, 1949, Mary and Ed were united in marriage. Ed was an All-American skeet shooter and together, they traveled to many locations for tournaments. Mary, like Ed, became an accomplished upland game hunter. They continued friendships with many of the WWII veterans from Ed’s squadron including the owner of Chez Paree nightclub in Chicago, Jay Schatz. Mary once watched Sammy Davis Jr and Jay Schatz engage in a game of quick draw with loaded pistols. Another time, she remembered holding a young Maria Shriver on her lap. It was a glamorous world in the 50’s and 60’s.

Mary’s greatest happiness came in raising and enjoying life with her family. Her four children include identical twins, John and Jeffery, son Jay and daughter Jena. During the time they were growing up, Mary worked with Ed in his business pursuits, including school photography. As grandchildren arrived, Mary helped wherever needed. She joined in the packing and unpacking with each of the moves completed by son John and family during his 30-year military career. One notable move saw her drive a car with a golden retriever in the back seat, from Oklahoma to Virginia. She also shared in the care of grandchildren when new siblings arrived or childhood ailments created the need for special love and care.

Everyone who knew her has shared two particular memories of Mary. The first was her incredible ability to connect with all of her family and friends. She never missed sending a card to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. All of the grandchildren received heartfelt notes marking their many accomplishments from getting their driver’s licenses, finishing a semester or getting over a bad cold. She kept in touch with everyone through personal notes of love and encouragement. Nieces, nephews and many others were always part of her very active address book. As social media became a way of life, she added Facebook to her communication repertoire. She was a friend to more than 150 people and her comments were always kind and genuine.

The other fun fact about Mary is that she loved her daily Coca-Cola. We estimate she enjoyed 30 to 35,000 during her lifetime. We are not certain that her claim of only one can per day is accurate.

Mary is survived by her brother, Marvin Pope (Sandra) of DeKalb, Texas; her four children, John Crawford Scherer, Delavan, Dr. Jeffery Grant Scherer (Debra Alder), Delavan, Jay Edward Scherer, Lakewood, Ill., and Jena Marie Scherer, South Milwaukee. Also, her 9 grandchildren, Dr. Jack Scherer, John Robert Scherer, Lt. Andrew Scherer, USN, Jennifer Mary Scherer, Alexander Carone Scherer, Anne Marie Jamieson (Travis), Taylor Evan Scherer, Joseph Sullivan Scherer and Hunter Edwin Scherer, and one great-granddaughter, Cecilia Leone Rondeau Jamieson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; parents, Lewis and Helen Pope; sisters, Elaine, Sue, Wanda and Geraldine; brothers, Harold, Loyd, Bobby Dean, Kent and James Lewis. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Janis Scherer (John).

She was a longtime, 60-year member of the First Baptist Church, now Crossroads Church, of Pewaukee. A celebration of Mary’s life will be at the Crossroads Church, N27W26451 Prospect Ave in Pewaukee at 11 a.m. Saturday with visitation at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Crossroads Church. Burial will take place at Tabernacle Cemetery in the Town of Delafield.

Monroe Funeral Home, Delavan is assisting the family.

 

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