Michael Willis Scherff

Michael Willis Scherff, the son of Willis (Bill) and Louise (Brandenburg) Scherff, was born on January 29th, 1956. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, in Denison where he was a long time member of the congregation. Mike attended Denison Schools and graduated from Denison High School in 1975.

Mike enlisted in the Army in 1978. He was honorably discharged in 1986. During Mike's enlistment, he was stationed overseas, and in Germany, for over 3 years. After his military service, Mike lived in Sioux City while attending Western Iowa Tech. Mike returned to Denison in 1988 and was employed at the Denison Newspapers, before beginning a 17 year career at IBP and Tyson's. After the plant closed, Mike joined WESCO, in Denison, where he worked at varying jobs.

Mike enjoyed being outdoors. In his free time, he loved going fishing and hunting and loved to go to Swan Lake in Carroll, IA, to watch the bald eagles and look at the different animals they had at the park. Many days you would see Mike walking around the Denison High School parking lot and the Northside Recreation areas picking up trash. Mike was an avid bowler and was a member of different teams at Lucky Lanes in Denison. Mike qualified to bowl at the Iowa Games several times, and brought home numerous medals. Mike also participated in the Iowa Special Olympics where he competed in a variety of events. He was fortunate to bring home many medals and ribbons from his different competitions.

Mike loved to go fishing, out to eat, or on different road trips with his good friend, Karl McCall. Many days you would see them sitting outside of their apartments "watching the world go by." It’s unclear at this time who caught the biggest fish, but we know they always had a great time together.

Mike passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, April 6th, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Louise Scherff.

He is survived by his brother, Robert (Cindy) Scherff of Denison, IA; nieces and nephews, Justin Scherff, his children, Jackson, Grayson, & Kennedy; Kristin (Adam) Henry, their children, Owen, Emma, & Wyatt; Brandon (Jenni) Scherff, their children, Easton, Baylor, & Emmy; Megan Scherff (fiancé Scotty Tigner); other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests taking someone fishing or bowling in memory of Mike.