GERALDINE F. SCHARF

GERALDINE F. SCHARF

     Gerry Scharf of Granton passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024. Geraldine Fay Elmhorst was born July 5th, 1939 to Christine and Frederick Elmhorst of Loyal, WI. Gerry graduated from Loyal High School in 1957. She worked for a year as a nursing assistant until she met the love of her life, Donald Scharf, whom she married in 1958. She was his devoted wife for 44 years and mother to their six children. Gerry prided herself on being a stay-at-home mom until she returned to work as a CNA in 1987 at Neillsville Care & Rehab, formerly known as Memorial Medical Center-Sunset Gardens. Gerry absolutely loved her job caring for the nursing home residents until her retirement in 2014. She touched so many lives with the compassionate care she provided and the bright light she would bring into any room. During her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her pets, traveling and working in her flower garden. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton. She also attended services and Bible study at North Ridge Church in Marshfield. She spent her last four months under the care of the amazing staff at North Shore Healthcare, formerly known as Marshfield Care Center. Gerry made lots of new friends while she was there and loved all the activities and social opportunities they provided.

     Gerry is survived by her children, Alan Scharf of Marshfield, Faye (Jack) Friemoth of Granton, Tami Scharf of Granton, Dona (Daniel) Vargas of Rochester, NH, and Dyan (Wayne) Friemoth of Neillsville; grandchildren Dana and Shelly Klein, Dawn and Jamie Gallagher, Deann and Jamie Hanson, Devin and Kaitlin Klein, Brandon and Becky Young, Jeff and Megan Young, Jerry Young, Austin and Chiaki Friemoth and Sarah, Matt and Alex Brundidge; great-grandchildren Carter and Hudson Hanson, Abigail and Kelsey Gallagher, Isla, Enley and Ronen Klein and Lucas, Ethan and Haylie Young; siblings Fritz (Margo) Elmhorst of Clearwater, FL, Cathy Winter of Greenwood, Tom (Jeannie) Elmhorst of Albuquerque, NM, and Barbara (David) Bendlin of Milton. She is also survived by her best friend, Puggles, of 15 years and her two cats, Tommy and Gerry.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; her son, Gary Scharf; and siblings David and Marcia.

     Funeral services for Gerry were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton, WI. Pastor Daniel Zimmerman officiated the service, and Shelby Niskanen provided music. Interment was in the Zion American Lutheran Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Neillsville American Legion. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

     Pallbearers were grandsons, Jeff Young, Shelly Klein, Jamie Gallagher, Jamie Hanson, Austin Friemoth, Alex Brundidge and honorary Pallbearer Devin Klein.

     In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Clark County Humane Society.

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     The Gesche Funeral Home is assisted Gerry’s family with funeral arrangements.