Harlow J. Scherf

Harlow James Scherf, age 83, was born to eternal life on January 31, 2022.
As a first generation American, Harlow was born at home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on December 22, 1938, to Ora Galoff and Henry Scherf. He attended Mt. Calvary, a one-room grade school, where he met longtime friends who became affectionately known as the “West Town Gang” and whose antics served as the source of many entertaining tales Harlow shared with family and friends over the years. Harlow attended Waukesha High School before enlisting in the United States Army. He later joined the Army Reserves, while attending the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee full time. Harlow graduated in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and then worked at Gimble Schuster in Milwaukee before moving to the Northwoods.
Harlow, a longtime resident of the Northwoods and former co-owner of the Cross Trails Motel and Restaurant married his loving wife, Diane Jorgensen, on July 27, 1963 and started his family soon after with the birth of Douglas, in October of 1964. The family moved to Minocqua in 1968 and bought Cross Trails which they co-owned first with Harlow’s brother Mick and his wife MaryJane Scherf for 10 years and then with Diane’s sister Billie and her husband Bob Lemke for another 16 years. During that time, the couple celebrated the birth of two more children, Steven (1970) and Julie (1972). The business was truly a family-run business, with everyone working in various roles. After selling the successful business in 1994, Harlow was employed by Marshfield Clinic as an Outreach Driver, where he was often called “Mr. Marshfield” by some of the patrons on his stops. He then accepted a position working as a greeter at the front door of the clinic. In total, Harlow worked at Marshfield Clinic for 25 years. He truly enjoyed working with and serving people, and he thrived on bringing a smile to someone’s face either through a kind gesture, witty remark, or a humorous tale—usually a combination of all three.
In his personal time, Harlow enjoyed wildlife and was an avid hunter. Over the years, he made numerous hunting trips to Montana for mule deer. He also enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and looked forward to hosting deer camp each year with close friends and family from throughout the state. Harlow appreciated fine art and collected wildlife prints and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council for several years and sang in the choir.
He is survived by his wife Diane (Jorgensen) Scherf; three children and their spouses: Douglas (wife Amy), Steven (wife Christine), and Julie (husband Brian); brother Romaine (Mick) and his wife MaryJane; sister-in-law Connie; and one grandchild, Justin; and many nieces and nephews.
Harlow is preceded in death by his parents, Ora (Galoff) and Henry Scherf; his sister Audrey and brother-in-law Jack Kline; and his brother Orin (Sonny) Scherf.
Memorial Service for Harlow will be held on Saturday, February 19th at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI with a visitation from 10:00 am till time of service.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts, please consider making a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua for a student scholarship fund.
Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.