Obituary of Richard S. Scherer

Richard S. Scherer, age 69, of Edina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 13, 2016. Born in Minneapolis on August 13, 1946, he graduated from Hopkins High School (1964) and Gustavus Adolphus College (B.A English and History, cum laude, 1968). Following college, Dick taught English at Robbinsdale Senior High School for two years. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Dick served as a Vietnamese translator from 1970-72. Following his military service, he entered law school and received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota (cum laude, 1975). From 1975-94, Dick practiced law with Castor, Klukas, Scherer and Logren, primarily a civil law practice focusing on insurance defense. Appointed to the Hennepin County, 4th Judicial District bench in 1994, he was re-elected three times and served until his retirement in 2013. Subsequently, Judge Scherer was appointed as Senior District Judge, serving statewide. He was Chair of the Hennepin County Domestic Violence Homicide Review Committee and Chair of the Hennepin County Fatality Review Project from 1998-2006. A thoughtful, kind, humble man, he treasured his family and took great pride in his work. Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Laura Scherer; his brother, Henry Scherer; and his sister-in-law, Julie Scherer. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nancy; his son Matthew and daughter Cary (David VanderWoude); his brothers, John (Beverly) and William (Adela); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, at 2 pm, at Colonial Church of Edina, 6200 Colonial Way, Edina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Home Society & Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, 2485 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, or Cornerstone, 1000 E. 80th St., Bloomington MN 55420.