Alan Richard Scherer

Alan Richard Scherer, 77, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18 from 10:00 to 12:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will follow at Noon. Burial will take place at Temple Emanuel Cemetery in Duluth, MN on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Alan was born on October 5, 1941 to Elsie and Charles Scherer in Newark, NJ. Following his high school graduation, he proudly served his country in the Army as a Morse Code Intercept Operator in Ethiopia. He was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4th Class.

He attended the University of Miami where he met his loving wife, Anne. They were married December 25, 1966. He began his work career with the Miami Herald Newspaper. He continued his education by attending night and summer school at Cal State and Florida International University where he was proud to be a member of the first graduating class. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at the age of 34, a true testament to his determination and focus. Alan retired from the newspaper industry where he had become CFO of the Duluth News Tribune at the age of 60. He became Comptroller and a Tax Practitioner at his wife’s firm, Anne Scherer, The Tax Lady. He also earned his Series 7 Broker and Investment Counselor designation and began his own business, ASIS. He was twice elected state president of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Alan was a member of the American Legion in Duluth, MN where he served as Commander twice and was awarded a lifetime membership. He was also a member of the American Legion in Des Moines, IA.

Alan was a man who was passionate about sports, with golf being his Achilles Heel! He was an avid baseball fan. One of his greatest pleasures was instilling the love of the game in his three sons by coaching them. He started the “Duluth Express”, an amateur baseball team, which grew to be very respected. He also ran the American Legion Lakeview International, the largest baseball tournament in the area. In addition to baseball, Alan loved to play and watch basketball. He was proud to carry an admirable average in bowling and adored his time at the lanes watching his sons bowling prowess.

Alan was a kind and compassionate man who had a soft heart for living things. He enjoyed traveling and nothing excited him more than a road trip and reading maps. However, getting lost and traveling an extra 30 miles to see the world’s largest ball of rubber bands was also part of the travel experience.

Above all else he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was so proud of his sons and involved with their upbringing every step of the way.

Left to mourn his loss is his loving wife of 52 years, Anne; sons, Gary (Lisa) and Joseph Scherer; grandchildren, Alana, Nolan, Colin, and Anika.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Steven Scherer.

In August, 2010 Alan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. No one in this world has fought this battle harder, facing this ugly disease with such grace and dignity, remaining vibrant and positive throughout his journey. Please direct memorial contributions to the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be directed to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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