Elvira Jane Scherer

ELVIRA J. SCHERER

Elvira J. Scherer (Peterson) was a woman devoted to her family and involved in her faith community. She was both a life partner and a business partner to her beloved husband. She treasured her children and was invested in their lives, whether at home or in school. Elvira Scherer was caring, active, and adventurous.

Elvira was born at a time when families were trying to make life pleasant in the midst of hard conditions. Because of the Depression money was scarce, so people made their own entertainment at home, playing parlor and board games, listening to baseball on the radio, and being inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's Fireside Chats. In 1930, the William and Francis (Weismantel) Peterson family of Chicago, Illinois found particular joy in the birth of their daughter Elvira on May 6th. Their family would grow to four when Elvira's brother William ("Bill") was born. With their father working as a lawyer and their mother working in real estate and then banking, the children could see the value of hard work and providing for family. In fact, Elvira helped care for her brother while their mother was at work. Such responsibility may not have afforded Elvira much social time, but she did form a close bond with her dear friend, Pat Hadley. Elvira and Pat maintained contact until recent years when Pat moved to southern Indiana .

Elvira found enough social time in high school to meet her future husband at a roller skating rink. Robert Scherer and Elvira went on a first date, but it would be several months before Robert asked her out again. He thought she was too pretty to let go. They continued to date right through to her senior prom and married soon after high school on January 22, 1949. They began their family the following year when their daughter Carolyn was born. Two years later they welcomed Bryan into their home. It would be ten years later that Elvira wished to have another child, and soon she gave birth to their third child, Douglas.

Elvira was a devoted mother, staying at home to raise them and volunteering in the children's school. The two older children attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Chicago, where Elvira was in charge of the "Hot Dog Lunch" for a few years. A lot of planning went into this once a month responsibility, yet Elvira even went beyond her duty. She ordered taffy apples for the school children as a special treat. The supplier was so appreciative of the order that he gave her family a free box of taffy apples just for them.

In 1959, the family moved to Indianapolis when Bob was transferred with his job. He had worked as a bookkeeper for Deluxe Check Printers in Chicago and then became Office Manager in Indianapolis. Elvira continued to work in the home until Douglas was in grade school. But even then she stayed connected with the schools, working as a librarian for School 69 for several years. Then Elvira worked several part-time jobs before going into partnership with Bob in their own small business, Indiana Jeweler Supply. It is a tribute to Elvira and Bob that their marriage and partnership both enjoyed success.

When Bob and Elvira sold the business in 1998, their married life took on the adventure of travel. They vacationed in Spain, Hawaii, and London, not only enjoying the sights but also studying English heritage. All those years as a librarian, Elvira couldn't help but continue in her desire to learn. Also, Elvira and Bob went on an Alaskan cruise where they saw whales and The Northern Lights and Bob even took a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier.

The delights of travel and sightseeing were matched by the joy of playing the piano and dancing. They gave Elvira a lifetime of pleasure. She also enjoyed playing Bridge and eating out. What could be better than having someone else cook, especially her favorite seafood! One other treat Elvira allowed herself was a mink coat. She had wanted one for years and it soon became Elvira's most cherished possession. If a mink coat was a material softness in her wardrobe, light colors were soft to her eye. White was Elvira's favorite.

The joy and peace that comes from a life lived for family, others, and for God is a lasting legacy. Elvira lived out her faith as a member of the Catholic Church, first at St. Michael and then St. Monica. She gave to others and received love and admiration in return. Elvira will be sorely missed by her dear husband and cherished children and their families.

Elvira J. Scherer, 75, of Indianapolis , died August 16, 2005. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. She was a member of the St. Monica Catholic Church. Mrs. Scherer is survived by her husband, Robert Scherer; one daughter, Carol (Ken) Robertson; two sons, Bryan and Douglas (Marilyn); four grandchildren, Jennifer, Kimberly, Julia, and Allison; one great-grandson, Patrick; her mother Francis Krause; and one brother, Bill Peterson also survive. She was preceded in death by her father, William "Pete" Peterson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 19 at St. Monica Catholic Church. Friends and family will gather on Thursday, August 18 from 5-8 PM at Leppert Lifestory Funeral Home, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN. Burial will be in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.