Service Information
Mary Jane Scharmer, age 98, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Olathe.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, with a visitation to follow from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector, Minnesota. A private burial will follow.
Memorials are suggested to the FREE (Friends Enabling the Elderly) at the BL Healthcare Center, 703 W Yellowstone Trail, Buffalo Lake, MN 55314.
Obituary
Mary Jane Scharmer was born March 8, 1925 to Henry and Mary (Zachow) Evert in Buffalo Lake, MN. Mary Jane grew up on a farm outside Buffalo Lake with 3 siblings, Helen, Willus and Arvilla. She graduated from High School in 1943 and worked in Minneapolis for a time. She corresponded with Clifford Scharmer while he was in the Army. When he returned home from World War II, they were married in December of 1945. They were blessed with 3 daughters, Judy (Ron) Swartzell, Jean (Keith) Schultz and Joyce (Ron) Spruill.
Mary Jane was primarily a homemaker, but was also the bookkeeper for Cliff’s Plumbing and Heating business. She also enjoyed embroidery work as evidenced by the countless sets of dishtowels. She and Cliff were in a bowling league and played in several card clubs. From the age of 60 until the age of 90, she volunteered at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center where many of the “old folk” she cared for were younger than she was. She was involved in her church, both the Nazarene Church, and when that closed, in the Zion United Methodist Church.
She was active, going on a mission trip to Jamaica in her 70’s, going on a hot air balloon ride and water skiing again in her 80’s, and jet skiing in her 90’s.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, their spouses and in-laws and their spouses. She was the last surviving family member of that generation. She moved to Olathe, KS to live with her daughter, Joyce, in October, 2018.
She is survived by her 3 daughters; Grandchildren – Heidi (Brian) Lang, Jeremy Schafer (fiancé, Melissa), Jeffrey Schultz, Rick Spruill, Cliff (Elaniea) Spruill, Liz (Blake) Mokiao and Andy (Randi) Spruill; Great-Grandchildren – Brianna (Brandon) Gorter, Lauren Evans, Alexa (Austin) Becker; Emma & Kate Schafer; Teddy Schultz; Madden Harmon and Reid Spruill; Malachi Oswald; Alakai (Kai), Kamalani & Keoni Mokiao; and Ryder, Everett & Meryn Spruill. She was anticipating the birth of her first Great-Great-Grandson in July. Over 60 nieces, nephews and spouses called her “Aunt Janie.”
The family would like to thank everyone for coming to support them at this time. Mom loved the time she had at Benton House, Olathe, and we especially appreciate the loving care provided by Ascend Hospice.
Nikki VandenBerg says
I’m sorry for your loss, Jean. Your mom was sure a special lady!
Adrianne Henschke says
Jean & Keith:
I am sending my deepest sympathy to you at the loss of your Mom. Losing a parent leaves an empty spot in our family. May you have many good memories of your Mom. She sounds like a lady who did not let the grass grow under her feet – always busy and on the go.
Lee says
Aunt Janie there are so many memories of family vacations. My most memorable was the one where you had backended us as we went down the wrong road. When light came we found a barbed wire fence to use as our trunk and your hood need to be wired down. You got hurt the worst and dealt with issues with your neck and back most of the rest of your life. But we still sang at the top of our lungs as we went back and forth between cars. The cars were a mess but it never dimmed our memories made together. Shelling pecans in the car and all the places we traveled to on the trip. And our knee slapping sitting in a circle and Mom laughing so hard we picked up her chair and put her in a corner as you went to the sink and started washing the dishes. Walking uptown as a group to go get food for the next meal. Our memories are enough to fill a book. You always wrote out and later had a Christmas letter done as writing letters and keeping in contact with people by letters and phone calls was so much a part of your life. I will miss you so much as I always thought of Mom when I talked to you. I know you are at peace and have joined all who have gone before. I love you, Aunt Janie.
Lee (LeAnn Scharmer) Seeling
Fredrickson Ken says
I am truly sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. May God’s loving arms hold her family close during this time of sorrow.
Jeanne Marie Kadelbach says
So sorry to hear of MaryJane’s passing. She was the sweetest lady. She will be missed. They gained a bright light in heaven. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Jim Fischer says
Growing up, we lived in a great neighborhood. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back. Mary Jane lived a long life with many blessings. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Jane Richards says
Sympathies to all of Mary Jane’s family. May your loving memories bring you peace and comfort.
Mary Jane had a wonderful life with her family and many friends.
She loved keeping in touch with her hometown.
Lori (Jacobson) Anderson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it’s been many years since I have seen her, she was Aunt Mary Jane to me, and one of my Grandmother’s (Mabel) many siblings and their spouses that we would visit when in Buffalo Lake. I have fond memories. The last of all of those in that generation.
Steven Evert says
I think all who knew her will miss Aunt Janie. She was clearly my Dads favorite sister and without exception, a visit by me back to MN included a run by the two of us to go see Aunt Janie. I spoke with her by phone on a continuing basis and always enjoyed the conversation as she could be funny and clever and at the same time a giver of words of wisdom.
Sara Evert says
Dear Joyce, Judy, Jean and families,
Sending love and my very deepest sympathies for your loss. Aunt Mary Jane will be so greatly missed.
Her loving kindness, sound advice, and sparkling gregarious spirit will never be forgotten. I will hope to be inspired and guided by those qualities always.
Sara Evert
Don & Lois Meyer says
A very sweet and wonderful lady! She made a difference!