ARENA - Jerald Walter Schara, age 81, of Arena, passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at home with loved ones by his side. He was born on Aug. 26, 1941, at St. Mary’s Hospital, the son of Walter Carl and Edna Josephine (Rettgen) Schara. He married Nancy Carole Borst on Jan. 2, 1960, in Middleton, Wis., at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

Jerald graduated from Middleton High School in 1959 and received his Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College in 1964. He continued his education at Iowa State University, earning a degree in water resources in 1970. He worked for several years as a chemical engineer but found a new calling through his faith. Jerald went on to graduate from Wartburg Seminary in 1996 and began his second career as a Lutheran Pastor.

Jerald enjoyed stamp collecting, reading and researching genealogy in his free time. He enjoyed Bible study and wrote many Bible studies of his own. He liked showing his creativity through woodworking, photography and pencil drawings, and he loved spending time camping and RV-ing with his family.

Jerald is survived by his wife, Nancy; sister, Jan Schroeder; brother, Jim (Sandy) Schara; daughters, Jean Schara (Alan Love) and Ann (Kevin) Houck; sons, Bob Schara and David (Tina) Schara; grandchildren, Samantha (Chris) Shaw, Sabrina Schara, Marilyn Houck (Anthony Starling), Kevin Houck, Alicia (Dominick) DeRosa, Aaron (Lori) Schara, Jordan (Hannah Muecke) Schara and Jace (Riley Gautier) Schara; great-grandchildren, Rhylie Hannam, McKayla Collins, Harley Shaw, Ryker Shaw, Elijah Starling, Grace Schara, Aviendha Schara and Addilyn Rose DeRosa, who is eagerly anticipated in March 2023; brothers-in-law, Rod (Darlene) Borst and Ken (Lori) Borst; sister-in-law, Elisabeth Stewart; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Roger Schara; daughter, Debra Sue Schara; sister, Carol Schara; brother-in-law, Zane Schroeder; and in-laws, Dorothy and Jasper Borst.

A service will be held at NEW HEIGHTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1705 Center St., Black Earth, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, with Pastor Rob Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO BLACK EARTH FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1710 Center St., Black Earth, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the service on Saturday.

Special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare and the Carbone Cancer Center for their excellent care.

Memorials may be made in Jerald’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or the Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth

Funeral & Cremation Care

1710 Center St.

(608) 767-3684

Jerald Schara

August 26, 1941 - September 16, 2022

Share memories of Jerald