Bernard J. Scherer

Bernard J. Scherer, 91 died suddenly and peacefully on March 17. His loving wife of sixty years, Lois, preceded him in death two years ago. His son Bernard of Carmel, California and daughter Paula Scherer Stufflebeam of Tempe, Arizona survive him. He will be deeply missed by adopted son George Paynich of Hacienda Heights California, and adopted daughters Michele Grost of Norman, Oklahoma and Christine Kemper of Kansas City Missouri. Mr. Scherer was born in Spencer, Nebraska January 28, 1913. He was the youngest of twelve children. In High School he was a letter winner in football, basketball and track. He graduated from high school in 1931 and earned an athletic scholarship to the University Of Nebraska. There he became one of the best ends to ever play on a Nebraska football team. He won football letters in '33, '34, and '35. He was honorable mention All-American End in 1934; All American End on the second team In 1935; All Western First Team in 1935; and first player chosen for East-West Shrine game and was voted most outstanding player of the game. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1936 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Minor in Physical Education. In 1985, the University of Nebraska inducted Mr. Scherer into their Hall of Fame. After college, the Green Bay Packers drafted Mr. Scherer and he spent from 1936-1939 in the NFL with the Packers and the Steelers. He was a member of the world championship Packer team and proudly wore his ring all of his life. In 1937, he was selected and played in the NFL All-Star game. Following his pro-football career, he became defensive coach and chief recruiter of the football team of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa from 1940-41. He also coached the freshmen basketball team of the college. With the arrival of World War II, Mr. Scherer entered military service as a First Lt. in the Infantry. He was commissioned in the regular Army immediately following World War II where be achieved the rank of Colonel, Regular Army, He received military awards from the U.S. Korean, and Italian governments. He voluntarily retired in 1964. His next challenge was the position of District Manager for the National Sporting Goods Association from 1964-1978. He traveled throughout the West and became The Association's top salesman. Deciding to eliminate the travel, Mr. Scherer accepted the position as Executive Director of the Sun City Saints, a women's fast-pitch softball team. He brought the same enthusiasm and commitment to the Saints that marked his personality in all of his life-long accomplishments. As a result, during his tenure the team won the National Championship. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Mr. Scherer's life will be held April 3, 2004, at 10:00 AM, at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church. 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ. Private interment services for the immediate family only will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.