Gwendolyn M. Scheerer's Obituary
Gwendolyn M. Scheerer, wife of the late Dr. Leon B. Scheerer, passed away December 1, 2023 at the age of 92. Gwen was born December 22, 1930 in St. Cloud, MN to Paul and Gladys (Braton) Morben. Gwen graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota where she received a teaching degree. She married Leon on June 28, 1952. Gwen taught kindergarten in Minnesota, Missouri, and Muskegon Heights, Michigan from 1952-1957 and supported their young family as Leon pursued his medical degree and career. In 1957, they moved to Muskegon for Leon’s medical practice at the “new” Muskegon General Hospital. They raised four children in the wonderful community of North Muskegon. Gwen and Leon journeyed extensively across the United States, Europe (often on ski trips), and ventured as far as Hong Kong and Japan.
After the sudden death of her beloved husband Leon in 1979, Gwen worked at Muskegon Community College and Hackley Hospital organizing community education events. She was an avid supporter of causes in Muskegon: a long time member of the Service League of Muskegon; she served on the Boards of Every Woman’s Place, the Muskegon YFCA, Senior Services, and was a charter member of the Muskegon General Hospital Gift Shop.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Leon; her parents, Gladys and Paul Morben; her sisters Norma Jean Bennewitz (Bill), Shirlee “Pearl” Hamlin (Don), Charlotte Nelson (Don); and her dear daughter Elizabeth “Libby” Sturman. Gwen is survived by her children, John “Jack” Scheerer (Surry), Ann Scheerer (Todd), Benjamin Scheerer (Kathy); by her eight beloved grandchildren, Andrea Pangilinan (Ryan), Camille Sturman, NIcholas Sturman, Vick Scheerer (Effe), Jennie Rose Scheerer (Erik), Lilly Scheerer, Max Scheerer, and Emmie Scheerer; and step granddaughter, Emme Pangilinan. Gwen was blessed to have many, many loving nieces and nephews, and dear lifelong friends from every phase of her fun and adventurous life. Special thanks to her loving caregiver and friend, Debby Jaquith, and other compassionate souls who cared for her at The Oaks and the Harbor Hospice Poppen House of Muskegon.
Gwen was so proud of her Minnesota and Norwegian heritage, loved Muskegon, her A-frame on Lake Michigan, and her retirement years in Sun City West, AZ. She loved people and made many memories with family and friends at the A-frame, vacations in the desert, playing tennis and word games, telling countless stories of her childhood and her sisters the “Morben Flowers.” She studied American and presidential history, was an avid gardener and reader, deeply enjoyed Leonard Cohen music, and above all, loved being with her grandchildren.
A Celebration of Gwen's Life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 12-2pm at the Bear Lake Tavern, 360 Ruddiman Dr., N. Muskegon, MI.
Gwen requested any memorials go to the Women’s and Children’s Fund of the Greater Muskegon Service League and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Her children add Harbor Hospice as an outstanding organization to support.
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