Kenny Scherer, of Prior Lake, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018, at the age of 62. Visitation is Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church (16400 Duluth Avenue SE) in Prior Lake. Kenny will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
On November 25, 1955, Eugene & Grace Scherer welcomed their son, Kenneth John Scherer. He was the fifth of six children and enjoyed growing up on the family farm with his siblings Bob, Jerry, Willie, Ray and Susie. It was on the farm that Kenny was injured as a boy doing some of his chores, but he never let this get in his way.
When Kenny was just 12, his father died suddenly. This was a very hard time for Kenny, but he always felt close to his father when in nature. Eugene had passed on his love for hunting and fishing to his son, and one day Kenny would pass that same love onto his children.
Kenny finished high school in 1974 and began working. Throughout his life, Kenny held many jobs. He worked on the garbage truck, for the school district, and in bars, bakeries and in catering. Kenny spent nearly 20 years in the maintenance department at McGlynn which later became Pillsbury and General Mills. He eventually had to stop working in the mid 90’s due to a work injury.
On November 21, 1980 Kenny married Deb Byers. Their marriage was blessed with three wonderful children, Matt, Amber and Nick. As a family they enjoyed spending time outdoors. Kenny taught his kids to hunt and fish. Kenny himself was an accomplished hunter and has several records in State and National Record Books. He was most proud of the Cinnamon Bear he shot while visiting the north shore. When Kenny wasn’t hunting, he was probably fishing. He especially loved fishing at dark near the creek he grew up on. As an outdoor enthusiast, Kenny frequently attended Ducks Unlimited, MN Deer Hunters, MN Deer Classic and other events put on by local hunting groups. He even entered spearing competitions.
Kenny had a knack for turning whatever he was hunting into a delicious meal. He followed in his mom’s footsteps, and eventually perfected many of her recipes (potato salad, stuffing, sour kraut hotdish and fudge). Kenny also created some of his own special dishes, including turtle soup. Kenny’s love of cooking always kept him close to his mom. He became her caretaker in the last years of her life. This was special time that Kenny cherished with his mom.
Family was always very important to Kenny. He loved being a dad and grandpa. When he and Deb went their separate ways, they both remained devoted parents. Kenny’s two grandchildren were the light of his life, and he always made sure to have special treats ready for them when they’d visit.
Kenny loved people. He could make easy connections with anyone, and could sit around, shooting the breeze for hours. He was a gifted storyteller and loved having an audience. He enjoyed spending time at the VFW, playing pull tabs, scratch offs, cross words and word finds. He loved his dogs, flowers and bamboo plants. Kenny enjoyed the simple things in life and was happiest barefoot and in cut-offs.
Over the years, Kenny had many health issues, but he always seemed to bounce back from them. In September, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Susie and Ray became his caretakers and provided wonderful care to Kenny this past year.
Kenny will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving children, Mathew (Paige), Amber, Nick “Charms” and their mother, Deb; grandchildren, Morgan & Mason; siblings, Jerry (Rose), Willie (Donna), Ray, Susie McNeal; nephews, Jeremey and Jeff; 4-legged companion, Louie; other loving relatives and friends. Kenny was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Eugene & Grace; brother, Bob; nephew, Scott; brother-in-law, Jim E. McNeal.
