Paul H. Scherer

1933 - 2018

Paul H. Scherer

Oct. 12, 1933 - August 26, 2018

MISHAWAKA, IN - Paul Henry Scherer, 84, of Mishawaka died Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Sanctuary at St. Paul's Retirement Community with his family at his side. Mr. Scherer was born October 12, 1933 in Sedalia, MO to the late Alice C. (Soker) and Pastor Henry H. Scherer. In addition to his wife, survivors are his children, Maria L. Scherer Lutz (Joseph) of South Bend, Mark T. Scherer (Cynthia Carr) of Centennial, CO, and John M.H. Scherer (Carolyn) of West Chester, PA; six grandchildren, Nikole Oliver Scherer, Rebecca Carr, Julia Scherer, Daniel Scherer, Ian Scherer, and James Scherer; two sisters, Mary Clutz (Wendell) and Ruth Schanke; and his brother, James Scherer, all of Des Moines, IA.

Paul graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska in 1955, where he was known as an outstanding scholar, track and basketball athlete, a championship debater, theatrical performer, and choir singer. Then he did graduate work in History at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, earning a MS in l956 and a PhD in 1964. While on campus he met his future wife, Darlene I. Lienau, whom he married on January 25, 1959 in Mt. Horeb WI, who survives him. Paul taught History at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO from 1962-1964. Paul joined the faculty of Indiana University South Bend in 1964. He developed courses in Western Civilization, European History, American Diplomatic History, 20th Century World History, and the History of Film. Paul was instrumental in organizing the Faculty Senate at IUSB and became its first president. He served three terms as chair of the History Department. His research and writing centered on 19th Century European Diplomatic History, World War II, and film history. Paul wrote a biography of Lord John Russell, 19th century Prime Minister and statesman during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Busy as Paul was with his academic work, he was very much a hands-on father. When his wife was away from home with a full-time teaching job, he managed to come home to serve lunch each noon to his 3 school age children. The children played family night games and sports each weekend with their parents. The entire family enjoyed living in London and Paris, and traveling throughout Europe as Paul did his research. Paul was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and participating in church Council and Bible Study groups. He was very active in local Democratic Party politics, assuming leadership positions in the 1968 McCarthy Presidential campaign and the l972 McGovern Presidential Campaign.

Upon retiring from IUSB in 1997, Paul enjoyed playing duplicate Bridge at the Bridge Center, where he achieved Silver Life Master status. He continued part-time teaching during his retirement, doing courses at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA, Forever Learning Institute in South Bend, Lake Michigan College, and the Semester-at-Sea program. Paul was an avid birdwatcher, with a life list of over 2,000 species. During retirement Paul and Darlene enjoyed bird watching trips to the Texas Gulf Coast, Panama, Japan, Costa Rica, Australia, and Brazil. They also enjoyed travel in Indonesia, China, Canada, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 E. Haney St. with Rev. Jeff Zell officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the church. Memorial contributions in Paul's name may be made to ELCA World Hunger, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764 or the South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society, P.O. Box 581, Mishawaka, IN 46546.

Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.