Obit: Scharrschmidt, William Paul (1921 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brunner, Frey, Magnuson, Moore, Mortensen, Rohlfs, Rohlfs-Wood, Russell, Scharrschmidt, Wade

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 4/24/2014

Scharrschmidt, William Paul (28 OCT 1921 - 28 APR 2014)

William Paul Scharrschmidt, age 92, of Neenah, formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully early on Monday, April 28, 2014, at his home.

He was born on June 27, 1921 in the town of Hammel to the late Ewald and Jennie (Frey) Scharrschmidt. On February 22, 1946, he married Ursula Russell and the two were blessed with four children.

Bill attended Cleveland School in the town of Hammel and graduated from Medford High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied civil engineering.

He also enlisted in the United States Air Force in July 1942 as a Bombardier where he received 2nd Lt. Commission in 1943. He flew in 30 missions, 18 of them as lead Bombardier on a B-24 as a part of the 8th Air Force, 2nd Air Division, 467th Bomb Group European Theater of Operations, where he earned a ribbon with five battle stars, an Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart for wounds received while over Magdeburg, Germany, during a mission on August 16, 1944. He returned to inactive status as a 1st Lt. in November of 1945. Thereafter, he joined the Wisconsin National Guard, 32nd Division from 1949 through 1954, where he served as Captain of Intelligence Section (S-2) in Engineering Battalion.

After his service to our country, Bill worked as a Treasurer at Time Federal Savings Bank where he was eventually elected to many other positions, such as Board of Directors, Vice-President and Secretary, and even President and Chairman of the Board. He retired on January 1, 1987 after 40 years.

Bill was extremely active in his community. He was an elected alderman of the 1st Ward of the Medford City Council in 1953, and again in 1955. As a part of the Medford City Planning Board, he served from 1971 to 1995, and was also a charter member of the Medford Swimming Pool, established in 1955, and was a member of the Medford Curling Club. He also served as a board member of many different committees, including the Medford United Givers Fund, Memorial Hospital of Taylor County, Sunburst Youth Homes, Inc., and Kiwanis Club. He also served as an elected Director of Wisconsin Savings and Loan League, the United States League of Savings Association, and the Medford Chamber of Commerce.

Bill and Ursula were longtime members of United Church of Christ where he was elected to church council in 1975, and then elected President for two terms in 1976.

Bill will be missed by his wife of 68 years, Ursula; his children, Jini Mortensen, Laura (Tom) Rohlfs-Wood, Craig (Maggie); his daughter-in-law, Christine (Paul) Scharrschmidt; his grandchildren, Erik (Nicki), Amy (Pete) Wade, Kirstin (Chad) Magnuson, Katrinna Scharrschmidt, Derek (Stephany), Jason (Colleen), Michael (Crystal), and Jeffrey (Lisa) Rohlfs, and Jedidiah Scharrschmidt; as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Paul, in 1999; and his siblings, Ewald, Adelia (George) Brunner, and Helen (Arthur) Moore.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Community United Church of Christ in Medford, with Rev. Ken Dix officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bill's name.

Westgor Funeral Home of Neenah assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.