Obituary
Florence G. Schermerhorn
Florence Schermerhorn, 95, passed away on June 6, 2019 at Bethal Home & Services in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 3, 1924 to Italian immigrant parents, Rocky Sr. and Antoinette Sabino, and was the youngest of six children. Her five older brothers Frank, Danny, Rocky Jr., Joey, and Johnny, deeply influenced her life and preceded her in death. She made a point to keep close contact and guide her nieces and nephews throughout their lives because family was the most important thing to her. She was a pioneer of her generation; working outside the home her whole adult life at companies such as Trane Company, Whirlpool Corporation, and The La Crosse Rubber Mills. She met her husband, Jack Schermerhorn Sr. when she visited La Crosse with family and fell in love. They shared a wonderful life together for 57 years until he passed away in 2004. Together, they raised three children, Sandra Melbye, who sadly preceded her in death, Jack Schermerhorn Jr., and Sheila Schermerhorn. She loved fish fries next to the family boathouse on the weekend, playing in numerous Bridge clubs, Euchre, reading, traveling, hosting lively parties for her friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. She taught the value of hard work and perseverance to her family. Jack and Florence enjoyed wintering in Arizona as well as spending time with family and friends. Also, left to honor her memory are her five grandchildren- Amy, Erik, and Kristin Melbye as well as Sterling and Sierra Schermerhorn- and her great grandchild, Christian. She was so deeply loved throughout her life, and even in her last few months, she would make sure to give chocolates to her support team at the nursing home to show her gratitude and make them feel happy. Her smile and love will be missed by all of us.
Funeral will be on Monday, June 24th at 4 PM, in the Prairie Room at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI, with visitation from 3-4pm. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that you donate to The Salvation Army in Florence’s name and memory.
To view or download Florence’s memorial video, copy and paste the link below into your web browser.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/W7F5CGZBSPSRZYMT
Mothers hold our hands for only a short time, and our hearts forever. May you be comforted by Gods grace, happy memories and the love of friends and family.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Ken and Ruth
Condolences to the kids and families. I babysat Jackie and Sandy at the house (Farnam Street?) they lived when they were babies, and I was in high school, (while Florence and Jack built their new house,) out on 22nd Street (I think?) Also a few times at their new house. I brought my husband (deceased in 1988) out to meet your Mom and Dad, and your Dad even gave him one of his turtle nets. Lots of good memories of wonderful people. I never met or knew the additional daughter, born after my time.
I’m saddened to hear of Florence’s passing. I truly enjoyed getting to see her weekly to do her hair… i remember how important it was for her to look good !
I shared many stories with her, as she did me. She loved her life, kids, and grandkids so much.
I’m blessed to have spent such quality time with Florence.