Robert L. Scharnberg, 1920 - 2008

SCHARNBERG, MATTHIESEN

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 9/4/2010 at 20:21:15

Robert Lee Scharnberg was born February 6, 1920, in Everly to Conrad and Viola (Matthiesen) Scharnberg. He was baptized and confirmed in the Hope Lutheran Church of Everly and was a long-time member.

Bob grew up on a farm northeast of Everly and attended country school in Waterford Twp. and graduated from Everly High School in 1937. He attended Buena Vista College for one year and then transferred to Iowa State College where he received a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering in 1942.

Bob was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in June 30, 1942 and served three and a half years during W.W. II, primarily in the South Pacific, with the Seabees. He was placed on inactive duty as a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve on December 7, 1945.

Upon returning to civilian life, Bob was employed as a civil engineer by Stanley Engineering Company of Muscatine, IA for 4 years. He and his family returned to the farm where he grew up in 1950 and farmed until 1984, when he and his wife, Millie retired to Spencer.

During the years that Bob lived in the Everly Community he served as a member of the Everly School Board for 12 years, 6 years as president, 6 years on the Hope Lutheran Church Council, 3 years as president, 9 years on the Farmers Coop Elevator Board, 3 years as president and served 26 years as a director on the Everly State Bank Board.

While attending college, Bob played baseball at both Buena Vista and Iowa State. He was captain of the Iowa State team in his senior year.

Bob married Mildred (Millie) Struve, of rural Linn Grove, on June 19, 1942 in Royal. They became the parents of 6 children.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Jack age 2 months; his parents; one brother, Russell, who was killed in combat in World War II; his son-in-law, Douglas Foss and two grandsons: Ben Scharnberg and Robert Conrad Scharnberg.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Millie of Spencer; his children: Gary Scharnberg and his wife, Sheila of Everly; Jill Foss of Everly; Steven Scharnberg and his wife, Denise of West Des Moines, IA; Janet Carl and her husband, Joel of Mt Vernon, IA and Charles Scharnberg and his wife Amy of Vail, AZ; 4 grandsons; 4 granddaughters; numerous nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends.

Interment in Lone Tree cemetery