Jerome Scherping

Jerome N. "Jerry" Scherping, age 85, of Freeport, died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Melrose Area Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 20 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Freeport. Goldenaires Senior Citizens will pray at 4 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 5 p.m. Thursday evening.

Jerome Nicholas Scherping was born September 19, 1924 in Oak Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Henry and Frances (Suek) Scherping. He married Theckla Toenies on November 13, 1945 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. The couple farmed in Oak and Millwood Townships for 14 years. Jerome owned and operated Jerry's Sales and Service in Freeport until retiring in 1988. He enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, and taking short drives around the community.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his children, Roger (Rita) Scherping of St. Joseph, Darlene Scherping of Grey Eagle, Marlene Heinen of Melrose, and Mark (Pat) Scherping of Freeport; son-in-law, Dennis Toeben of Freeport; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Theckla Scherping on September 2, 1998; daughter, Shelly Toeben; son-in-law, LeRoy Heinen; and his brothers and sisters.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ryan Scherping, Dennis Fagerstrom, Kevin Heinen, Terry Braegelmann, Nick Shaw, and Matt Eibensteiner. Cross bearer will be Joe Toeben and scripture bearer will be Brock Fagerstrom.