John Albert Scharf, 87, of Curtis, died Feb. 6, 2018, at Parson’s House in Omaha. John died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
John was born on Aug. 20, 1930, in Curtis to William Adam Scharf and Florence Beatrice (Skaife) Scharf. He graduated high school in 1947 from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis. John attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was on the varsity wrestling team and was an ROTC graduate.
In 1952, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, he married Doris Kendle, the love of his life.
He served his country from 1952-54, when he was honorably discharged. John, a first lieutenant, was a forward observer with the U.S. Army’s 537th Field Artillery Battalion.
John was a devoted family man and felt blessed to be able to work closely with Doris and his kids on the farm. “Every man should be lucky enough to have a good dog, a good horse and a good wife,” John said. “I got all three.” John was proud that all his children and grandchildren went to college.
John was an avid hunter and horseman, enjoyed travel and was fond of water and snow skiing. He walked the Great Wall of China, traveled extensively throughout Europe and took his entire family to South Africa. He took delight in staying very close to his children and grandchildren and often traveled to see extended family. John loved to read the paper and debate current events. He enjoyed dancing with his wife at the Elks club. He and Doris shared an active membership in their local bridge club for many years.
John took satisfaction in being a good steward of the land and improving it for future generations. He was proud to have a top-quality cattle herd and raised Australian shepherd puppies for nearly 30 years. John showed his love for Curtis by supporting many local community organizations including 4-H, FFA, Teammates, Curtis EMT and the United Methodist Church of Curtis. John served on many church committees and was active in getting the new church built in 1990.
John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosalie Doyle; sons, William and Gary; grandson, Scott Scharf; brothers-in-law, Mert Housley, Bob Doyle and Donald Kendle; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kendle and Shirley Lane.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Doris (Kendle) Scharf; sister, Kay Housley; brother-in-law, Ed Lane; children, John (Barb) Scharf, Debra Scharf and Bob (Gayle) Scharf; grandchildren, Kristin Larson, Steven Scharf, Stephanie Eckles, Nichole McKendry, Kevin Scharf, William Scharf and Kacie Scharf; and great-grandchildren, Brock and Pierce Larson, Madeline and Avaline Eckles, and Kallon and Kinsley McKendry.
Memorials are suggested to the Curtis EMT or Curtis United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at blasestrauser.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the United Methodist Church of Curtis. Burial will be at the Curtis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., with the family present from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 9, at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, which is in charge of arrangements.