Richard C. Scharf

Richard was born on September 27 th, 1932 in New Ulm, MN. He was baptized in New Ulm and attended St. Paul's Lutheran School (K-8) and was confirmed at St. Paul's in April 1946. Richard attended Martin Luther High School and Dt. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. In 1953 after 3 years of college, Richard was asked to take a 1 year emergency teaching assignment at St. Peters Lutheran School in Plymouth, Michigan, expecting to return to DMLC of his 4 th year of college. Instead, he was called permanently st St. Peter's as Principal, teacher of grades 6-8, Athletic Director, Coach, organist, choir director and youth group leader, finishing his 4 th year of college in summer schools. He continued his education at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan in evening and summer school classes, earning a master's degree in Elementary Education.

In August, 1957, Richard married Beverly Ann Tacia, a daughter of the congregation. This union was blessed with 4 daughters.

In 1966, Richard accepted the call to St. John's, Milwaukee, as Principal and 8 th grade teacher. In 1975, Richard accepted the call to Wisconsin Lutheran High School as Elementary School Coordinator, where he served until his retirement in 1996.

Richard served the church at large in a number of capacities, including Chairman of the Southeastern Michigan District Teacher's Conference, member of the Michigan District Board of Support and Chairman of the Michigan State Teachers Conference Program Committee.

After moving to Milwaukee, Richard served on the WLHS Board of Directors, on the Northwestern Publishing House Board and as Chairman of the Wisconsin Lutheran Principal's Conference. He also served his local congregation as a member of St. John's Choir for many years, as secretary of the Board of Elders, as Vice-Chairman of the congregation and as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the most recent school building addition.

Richard is survived by 4 daughters, Marsha Siekert (Paul Mahon), Marilee (Tom) Sullivan, Maryann (Roger) Carpenter and Michele (Tony) Elsing. 10 grand-children, Jason (Niki) Stujenske, Steven (Victoria) Stujenske, Courtney (Jon) Popp, Christoper (Jennifer) Showers, Erin LaVen, Katie (Kyle) Falk, Austin (Kiley) Elsing, Matthew (Alyssa) Siekert, Joseph (Kristy) Siekert and Zachary (Tarah) Siekert. Also survived by 19 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his dear wife Beverly, sisters Lorraine and Margie, grandson Ryan Schnell and great-granddaughter Elianna Stujenske.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 24 th, at Heritage Funeral Homes (4800 S. 84 th St. Greenfield, from 2:30-4:30pm. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 4:30pm.

Richard's commitment to education was rivaled only by his love for the great outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply soaking in nature, Richard found joy in the beauty that surrounded him. He could often be found engaging friends and family in spirited games of Farkle or Sheepshead, and he rarely missed an opportunity for a friendly game of softball or bowling.

Richards family would like to express a special thank you to Allay Hospice for caring for Richard in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Richard's honor be made to:

St. Paul's Lutheran Church – Muskego, S66W14325 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI 53150

or

WI Lutheran High School (click here).