Gertrude Scherrer of Eldorado, formerly of Shawneetown
Gertrude Cecilia (McGuire) Scherrer, after a full earthly life of 96 years was born into a new life on March 20, 2018 at the Eldorado Rehab and Health Care in Eldorado, IL.
Gertrude's journey of life began on Nov. 17, 1921, at Pond Settlement in Gallatin County, where she was the daughter of John and Cecilia (Devous) McGuire, who preceded her in death. During her childhood years, she moved to Harrisburg with her parents and her younger sister, Bernice. After graduating from Harrisburg High School in 1940, she began working at Kresge's Five and Dime Store in Harrisburg, where she eventually became an assistant manager.
Gertrude and Bernice would often travel by train to Chicago to attend dances held at the Aragon and Trianon ballrooms. They would dance to the music of many well-known swing bands of that era, such as Lawrence Welk, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey. While there, they would stay with either their Aunt Katherine Bouillon or Aunt Mary Frey, their mother's sisters.
She first met Thomas P. Scherrer of Shawneetown at a CYO dance. He courted her in a Piper Cub airplane and they fell in love and were married on Nov. 28, 1946. After building a new home at the corner of Townshend Avenue and McLean Road in Shawneetown, they began their family of five children, all who survive: Fr. Carl Emmett Scherrer (Columbia); Linda Kay Scherrer (Harrisburg); Dorothy Jean (Bruce) Bielat (Hoffman Estates); Joanne Margaret (Rush) Davis (Sullivan, Ind.); and Madonna Marie (Peter) Harris (Mount Zion).
Gertrude's friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family were all very important to her. She enjoyed visiting, playing cards, attending community events, traveling with her family, and shopping. Her very special friend and neighbor was Lucille Mitchell, who preceded her in death. Gertrude had been an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Shawneetown and other local community groups.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas P. Scherrer, who died on July 31, 1964, at the age of 51; and an infant sister, Mary McGuire. After her husband's untimely death, she continued to totally dedicate herself to raising her five children. She worked at the Gallatin County Courthouse in the Circuit Clerk's Office until she retired in 1993.
Gertrude remained in the family home until she moved to Brookstone Estates assisted-living facility in Harrisburg in May of 2005, where she resided until January of 2010, when she then became a resident of Eldorado Rehab and Health Care in Eldorado.
Other survivors include her sister, Bernice (McGuire) Lawler of Ridgway; and her 8 grandchildren: Janna Bielat (Geneva); Jeremy Bielat and Sarah (Hanover Park); Keith Bielat (Phoenix); Ethan Davis and Marci (Plainfield, Ind.); Kathleen (Davis) Hernandez and Eric (Indianapolis); Natalie (Davis) Scherle and Jon (Terre Haute, Ind.); Shawna (Harris) Breslin and David (San Francisco); and Tess (Harris) MacKichan and Ian (Urbana).
In addition, Gertrude leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Jack Sullivan, Roxanne Elizabeth, and Graham Michael Davis of Plainfield, Ind.; Aubrey Louise and Hadley Jade Scherle of Terre Haute, Ind.; Adelaide Mae Bielat and Aidan of Hanover Park and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church (665 Marshall St.) in Shawneetown on Monday, March 26 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Carl E. Scherrer presiding. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Parish cemetery.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 25, at St. Mary's Church in Shawneetown from 4 to 8 p.m., with the rosary being prayed at 7:45 p.m.; and on Monday, March 26, from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Shawneetown, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or donor's preference.
Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown is in charge of arrangements. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com .