Iris Elaine Scharich

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at HealthSource Saginaw. She was 84 years old. Iris Elaine Rouech was born on February 18, 1941, in Kawkawlin, Michigan to the late Ross H. and Faye (Brustmaker) Rouech. She was a proud graduate of Ss. Peter & Paul High School. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Robert James Scharich on July 7, 1962; he preceded her in death on December 17, 2021. Iris was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Zilwaukee, teaching catechism for many years. She was also a member of the Saginaw Fraternal Eagles 4413. Iris’s little piece of heaven was spending time in her flower garden, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and baking, especially her famous Christmas candies and cookies. She and Robert enjoyed spending the winter months in Okeechobee, Florida. Above all, Iris enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are a daughter, two sons and their spouses: Carol Sue and Kevin Pender; Robert K. and Janel Scharich; Steven Scharich; six grandchildren: Crystal and Adam Nixon; Christopher and Alexis Scharich; Callie and Mark Lorence; Kyle and Katelyn Pender; Alison and John Laski; Kerrigan Scharich; nine great-grandchildren: Ethan and Ella Nixon; Georgia Scharich; Alec, Asher, and Avery Lorence; Jack and West Pender; and Levi Laski; one brother and his spouse, Pete and Nancy Rouech; four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law: Donna Rouech; Penny Rouech; Barbara Kabobel; Betty and Phil Cochran. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert J. Scharich; five brothers: Don (Helen) Rouech, Hank Rouech, Ted Rouech, Mike Rouech, Dave Rouech; two sisters; Joan (Dick) Davis, and Nancy (Norm) Stuck; a brother-in-law Jerry Kabobel.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff at HealthSource Saginaw, Great Lakes Unit, for all the love and care they provided to Iris and the family.

Family and friends may visit at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private family committal service will take place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the City Rescue Mission Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com