John F. Scherner

John F. Scherner, 98, of Loveland, died peacefully on March 15, 2018. John was born January 4, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Paul and Julia (Rybinski) Scherner. John is survived by brother Alfred Scherner (Jeanne) of Michigan City, IN; sister Veronica Scherner of South Bend, IN; sons John A. Scherner (Ann) of Tigard, Oregon, Paul A. Scherner of Denver, CO, Michael R. Scherner (Deborah) of Loveland, Robert Scherner (Carolyn) of Loveland; seven grandchildren Brian, Molly, Ellen, Samantha, Henry, Jennifer and Rebecca; three great-grandchildren Faith, Matthew, and Kaitlin. John was the second oldest child in a family of seven growing up in Chicago. Like many children of the greatest generation, he was only nine when the great depression began. He graduated from St. Rita High School in 1938, then shortly after joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) to work in southwest Idaho. John enjoyed the work and wanted to sign on for another year, but a job opened up for him back home so, by CCC rules, John had to return home to work for Swift & Co. in the Chicago stockyards. During WWII, John was drafted into the Army in 1942. He served in a weapons platoon in New Guinea and the Philippines, and was involved in the battle at Leyte Gulf, which was the turning point in the liberation of the Philippines. John received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star (unit) citations, and three battle stars, but he did not like being called a hero. John always said that "hero” is for those that did not return from the war, but he was always a hero to us. After the war, John entered the optical trade and became an optician, which became his life’s work. John married June Sawyer in 1951, together they raised four sons. In 1968 we moved from Chicago to Colorado. John loved the outdoors and our family went on many camping and fishing trips. An avid football fan, he loved Notre Dame football his entire life. John will be remembered as a kind, loving man who believed in sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance. John imparted these values to his family through the example of the life he lived. We will miss his gentle spirit and his euphemisms that were packed with wisdom, such as, "got to take the bad with the good”; "got to laugh when you should be crying”; "don’t expect praise for doing what you’re supposed to do”; and, the family favorite, "be good, be happy”. We all love and miss you Dad, rest in peace. Memorial services March 27, Tuesday 10 am at Saint John the Evangelist in Loveland. Reception to follow. Burial of cremains with veteran honors at 2:30 pm at Sacred Heart of Mary in Boulder. Viewing March 26, Monday 4-6 pm at Viegut Funeral Home.