John Scharer

1934 - 2025

John Scharer
December 29, 1934 - September 7, 2025
John Louis Scharer, age 90, of Petaluma, CA, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, after a short illness. A devoted family man and respected community leader, John's life was marked by love, service, and dedication to both his family and to Petaluma.
Born on December 29, 1934, in Susanville, CA, John grew up in Healdsburg. He was the second child of Louie and Lydia Scharer and the brother of Jeannette Douglass (deceased), Ken Scharer (Linda), and Liz Haskins. From his early love of the Russian River to hunting and sports, his passion for the outdoors remained constant throughout his life. Basketball was his favorite sport - he played throughout high school and later in men's leagues in Petaluma.
From 1953 to 1957, John proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Germany. When he returned in 1957, he met his wife, Vicki, through friends, and they were married in 1958. They made their home in Petaluma, where they shared over fifty-five wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2014. Together, John and Vicki were deeply engaged in the community and longtime members of both the Petaluma Golf and Country Club and Rooster Run. They enjoyed traveling and golfing with friends.
John earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Golden Gate University. He was first employed by the City of Petaluma in 1961 before leaving for the private sector in 1963, where he served as corporate controller in financial and manufacturing companies. In 1974, he returned to the City of Petaluma as Finance Director, and in October 1981, he was appointed City Manager. For more than two decades, John guided the city through challenging times, establishing financial stability while helping shape Petaluma's planned growth. Notable projects during his tenure included the Lucchesi Center, Rooster Run Golf Course, the Sheraton Hotel, the Petaluma Auto Plaza, and the Municipal Airport.
John's dedication to his community extended far beyond city government. He was a proud member of the Elks Club, a past member of the Petaluma Valley Rotary, and an alumni board member of the Petaluma Educational Foundation. After retiring in 1996, he remained active in commercial real estate and additionally in 2005, became a founding board member of Poppy Bank. Today, the downtown Petaluma branch fittingly bears his name - the John L. Scharer Branch.
A lifelong sports fan, John was especially devoted to the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers. He loved attending games with family and friends and was known for his spirited debates with his son-in-law, Keith, always delivered with humor and wit. Later in life, he cherished watching his teams from home, often with a smile and a laugh.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to attend his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, always offering encouragement, advice, and unwavering support. His sense of humor, joy of life, and deep sense of community brightened every room he entered, and he will be remembered for the laughter and love he shared so freely.
He is survived by his children, Paula Verke (Keith), and Jean Ann Scharer; his grandchildren, Christopher Verke, Megan Sandwina (Tim), Kellie Nasrah (Nader), Will Krupp, and Kyle Krupp; and his great-grandchildren, Braden, Ashlyn, and Nathan Sandwina.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Petaluma, followed by a celebration of life at Rooster Run Golf Course. Military honors will be rendered at a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Providence Hospice of Petaluma, the American Heart Association, or the Petaluma Valley Hospital Foundation.
John touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, humor, and dedication. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on through Petaluma's institutions, community spaces, and the many lives he influenced with his leadership and friendship.