Paul J. Scherman

Paul J. Scherman Jr. 93 of Ellendale, ND was born December 14, 1915, in Leola, SD. He was the son of Paul J. Sr. and Clara (Geoshal) Scherman. Paul attended school in Leola, graduating from High School in 1935. He was the projectionist at the Lyrica Theatre for eight years and operated his own radio repair shop. On May 24, 1941, Paul married Edna Krein at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Leola. In December 1942 Paul began his career at Leola as an electrician with Northern Power and Light Company and continued as a service man for Montana Dakota Utilities in Lemon, SD and Ashley ND in 1947. In 1948 he became the town superintendent for the utility company in Wishek, ND. In 1970 he was promoted to district manager for MDU at Ellendale, ND - a position he held until his retirement in 1980. While in Wishek he was a Boy Scout Leader, active in Lions Club, and served a four-year term as mayor. A lifelong Catholic, he served as treasurer and maintenance supervisor in both Wishek and Ellendale. He was a loving and conscientious husband and father. His ability to fix anything greatly benefited his family, friends, and church. In Paul’s latter years he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and his final seven years he was cared for at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale until his death May 6, 2009. He enjoyed fixing things, fishing and bowling. He was a member of St. Helena's Catholic Church, Ellendale, Lyons and Elks. Paul is survived by his wife: Edna Scherman of Ellendale, ND; four children: Mary Ann Olson Lt. Col. (ret) of San Antonio, TX, Paula (Gene) Neufeld and Betty (Roger) Stevens of Loveland, CO, James (Cathy) Scherman of Fairfield, IA; one brother: Walter (Loretta) Scherman of Ellendale, ND; seven grandchildren: Debra (David) Petty of Loveland, CO, Gina (H.B.) Smart of Denver, CO, Casey (Christina) Stevens and Chelsea Stevens of Loveland, CO, Fletcher (Kavi) Scherman of Detroit, MI, Beth (Arlo) Drees of Austin, MN, Jean (Dean) Spiesz of Mt. Pleasant, IA; and six great-grandchildren: Taylor and Kendall Petty; Isaac, Lydia, and Ruben Drees, and Mya Scherman. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Albert and Leo and one grandson Christopher Stevens. The funeral is 10am Saturday and visitation one hour prior at St. Helena's Catholic Church, Ellendale with Father John F. Kizito officiating. Burial is at St. Helena's Catholic Cemetery, Ellendale. Casket Bearers: Mel Schauer, Robert Radtke, Alois Mastel, Carey Wald, Bob Bechtold, John Weisser; Honorary Casket Bearers: Debra Petty, Gina Smart, Casey Stevens, Chelsea Stevens, Fletcher Scherman, Beth Drees, Jean Spiesz; Scripture Reader: Michelle Thorpe; Gift Bearers: Loretta Scherman, Angela Mastel; Eucharistic Minister: Angela Mastel; Altar Servers: Jeremy Gusaas, Alex Tschosik; Keyboardist: Monica Peldo; Soloist: Paul Betting.