Leo D. Scharenberg
Leo D. Scharenberg, 90, of Hillsboro, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro.
He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Dorothy (Lewis) Scharenberg; children, Clarice (Charli) and Tom Alexander, Lincoln, Neb.; Millcine (Micki) and Jerry Siebert, Cedar Point; Dr Dennis and Phyllis Scharenberg, Wichita, Leon Scharenberg, Newton; cousins that lived in the home, Richard Heim, Hesston; Danny Heim, New Mexico; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Fern Jost. Kearney, Neb.; brother, Orville Scharenberg, Mapleton.
He was preceded in death by parents Joe and Fay Scharenberg; sisters, Oleta Scharenberg and Lois Jost; and great-grandchild, Isaac Scharenberg.
Leo was born July 19, 1921, in Marion and grew up in the Youngtown community. He graduated from Lincolnville High School in 1940. In 1942, Leo was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Before leaving overseas, Leo and Dorothy were married on Jan. 11, 1943, one week before his departure. Leo was in the I & R Platoon, 143 Regiment, 36th Division. He was shipped to Africa in April 1943, then to Italy, and then France. He was captured at Montlimar, France in August 1943, and transferred to Stalag III prison camp in Germany. The Russian tanks released him from prison camp in January 1945. (“…through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come …”). Leo received four Bronze stars, a Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.
Upon returning home from the war in 1945, Dorothy had saved $50 each month so that when Leo returned home they were able to buy a new tractor for $1,500 to start farming. They farmed in the Youngtown community until 1953 when they moved to a farm on the Cottonwood River between Florence and Cedar Point, where they ran a dairy farm.
Through the years Leo and Dorothy had the privilege of hosting and attending many reunions with the members of his I & R, 36th Division all across the United States. They also enjoyed traveling across the country.
Leo loved sports, especially baseball. (He commented how he had made ten home runs in one tournament weekend.) He built his own motorcycle, took flight training in 1957 and bought his own airplane, and he could fix anything!
Aside from his work and making time for fun, he taught adult Sunday school classes and was superintendent at Youngtown EUB Church, the Methodist Church in Florence and the Cedar Point Methodist Church. He served on the boards of AMPI, CO-OP, Marion Hospital, and the school board.
Among many Bible verses, his favorites were John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” II Timothy 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”
Leo found time in all his busy life to read and study God’s Word each day. (“…But faith has brought me here thus far, and faith shall lead me Home”…)
One of Leo’s favorite poems was “When I Come Home To Heaven” by Beth Stuckwisch.
Visitation was Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, between 6 and 8 p.m., at Jost Funeral Home, Hillsboro. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at Florence Christian Church, Florence, with Pastor Plato Shepherd officiating. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.
Memorials funds have been established for: Cottonwood Valley Baptist Church, Hillsboro; VFW, Marion; American Legion, Florence.