LaVern Scharnow Sr

  LaVern A. Scharnow Sr., age 76 years, of Union Center, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin.

He was born on September 21, 1932 to Alfred and Marie Scharnow in Mount Sterling, Wisconsin.  He graduated from the Wonewoc High School in 1954.  LaVern served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, being stationed in Germany.  He was married to Sandy Poff in 1957, they later divorced. 

LaVern was united in marriage to Ruth Gahman Sheppard on July 1, 1970.  They lived in Union Center for many years.  She preceded him in death on May 17, 1997.  He worked for many years at Ray-O-Vac in Wonewoc.  He was a member of the Elroy American Legion Post, the Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Zor Midgets.  He also was active in the Elroy Meal Site program, enjoyed helping with the prayer team at the Catholic Church in Union Center, enjoyed his time with family and friends, was a Green Bay Packers fan, fisherman, and took pleasure in traveling.

Survivors include his children LaVern (Sue) Scharnow Jr. of Mauston, Debbie (Ted) Bartz of Merrill, David (Bobbi) Scharnow of Fridley, MN, and Susan (Larry) Nicholson of New Lisbon; grandchildren, LaVern (Heather) Scharnow III, Angie Scharnow, Brian Scharnow, Glen Bush, Amanda Bush, Perry (Teresa) Nelson, Becky (Shawn) Baade, Jennifer (Joe) Colstad, Amber Bartz, Robert (Crystal) Bartz, Cindy Scharnow, Brian (Kim) Clemons, Rachel Clemons, Ayla Scharnow, Heather Scharnow, Larry Nicholson Jr. (Sara), Amy Nicholson (Mike), and Josh Nicholson; 17 Great Grandchildren; and a lady friend, Delores Towne of Waupun.  In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his Parents, and daughters, Donna Zehrung and husband, Rodger, and an infant daughter, Cindy.